Field Hockey Suffers Second Straight Overtime Setback

GORHAM, Maine – Sophomore forward Kailey Bubier (Auburn, Maine) blasted in the game-winning goal with just over two minutes remaining in the overtime period to give the University of Southern Maine Huskies a 2-1 overtime victory over the Bridgewater State University Bears in a Little East Conference field hockey game Saturday afternoon at Paula D. Hodgdon Field in Gorham, Maine.

Bubier's game-winner halted a five-game slide for the Huskies, which included a pair of overtime losses, and improves Southern Maine's record to 6-12 overall and 4-6 in the conference.  The setback was the second overtime loss in a row for the Bears who stand at 8-6 overall and 7-3 in the conference. 

The Huskies took the early lead as junior forward Whitney McDaniel (Livermore, Maine) converted an assist from Bubier in the fifth minute.  McDaniel's score stood through the half and late into the second half.

Bridgewater State senior forward Bethany Bush (Littleton, Mass.) pulled the Bears even with Southern Maine scoring her team-leading 16th goal of the season in the 55th minute.  Bush, who has at least one point in 13 straight games, collected the rebound off of her initial shot and drove in the equalizer.

Both teams battled back and forth, but neither team was able to secure the game-winner in regulation despite several chances.  Southern Maine dominated the overtime period statistically recording five shots and four penalty corners, but struggled to put the ball past Bridgewater State senior goalkeeper Katie Weber (Arlington, Mass.). 

With time winding down, the Huskies' McDaniel won the ball and carried it down the right side before connecting with a waiting Bubier in the center of the circle for the game-winner.  The assist marked McDaniel's team-leading fifth of the season.

Weber turned in a stellar effort in goal for the Bears despite the loss making 15 saves, including three in the overtime period.  USM freshman Kayla Kennedy (Windham, Maine) made seven saves in the win.

Southern Maine hosts New England College on Thursday (3:00 p.m.).  Bridgewater State hosts the University of New England on Tuesday (7:00 p.m.).