YORK, PA — On a cold and windy day that saw tough defense from both sides, the York College women’s lacrosse team found a way to overcome a 4-3 halftime deficit to secure a 6-5 overtime win. The non-conference victory brings the Spartans to an overall record of 6-8 and sets the Bearcats back to 2-5.

With 15 seconds remaining in the first overtime period, junior captain Megan Foy (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) converted a free-position attempt to give the Green and White their first lead of the game. Foy’s team-leading 33rd tally this season would hold up over the final three minutes of play, giving the Spartans the win.

The Spartans took control in the extra periods shutting down St. Vincent’s offense by winning all three draw controls and not allowing a single shot from their opponent.

Spartan senior Megan Bell (Westminster, Md./Francis Scott Key) led York’s offense as she scored three goals. Senior goalkeeper Anne Feustle (Baltimore, Md./Catonsville) kept the Bearcat offense at bay by making ten saves on 17 shots throughout the game.

St. Vincent struck first with a goal from Sarah Peranteau at 25:34, but Bell drew the score even with an unassisted tally at 23:34.

The Bearcats put two more scores on the board before Bell found the back of the net again, this time on an assist from Molly Kerrigan (Bel Air, Md./Institute of Note Dame). The helper was Kerrigan’s fourth of the year.

The two teams traded goals to finish out the half, with York sophomore Katie Bowers (Chantilly, Va./Chantilly) notching her fourth goal of the season to send the Spartans into halftime down one, 4-3.

Peranteau came out strong again to open the second half, as she scored 3:23 into the period to extend the Bearcats’ lead to two at 5-3.

However, the Spartans refused to go away as freshman Ashley Kanzler (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) tallied a goal at 18:18 on a free position shot to cut the lead to one at 5-4. The goal was the 16th of Kanzler’s rookie campaign.

Bell added her third goal on the day to bring the score even at 14:13. Both teams would remain scoreless for the remainder of regulation.

The Green and White controlled possession in overtime and took the lead for good when on Foy’s a free position goal.

The Bearcats were unable to gain possession after the junior’s notch and could not make a retaliatory score.

For the day, York outshot St. Vincent 28-17, including 15-6 in the second half. That second stanza outburst allowed the Green and White to keep the pressure on their opponent and tie up the score at the end of the second half. York controlled possession by winning the ground ball battle, 26-18, and owning the lead in draw controls, 11-4. The Spartans also moved the ball well as they successfully cleared 14 times on 18 attempts.

Aside from her three tallies, Bell also picked up a game-high eight ground balls and caused six turnovers. Kerrigan and Kanzler each collected four ground balls while Foy caused a pair of Crusader turnovers.

Sarah Peranteau led the way for the visitors with three points on two goals and one assist. She also added four ground balls and three caused turnovers for Susquehanna. Erica Lisi takes the loss in the cage for the Crusaders despite playing exceptionally well, making nine saves over her 66 minutes of action.

York returns to action Saturday, April 11 when they face off with Capital Athletic Conference foe Wesley. Game time is set for 1:00 pm. Prior to the contest, the Green and White will celebrate Senior Day, recognizing the contributions of Bell, Feustle, and defender Corey Hawks (Aberdeen, Md./Harford Tech).

GAME BOX

Megan Bell photo courtesy of Scott Guise

Game story written by Matt Volpe: York College sports information student-intern