PLYMOUTH, N.H. (Nov. 12, 2011) – Add another chapter to the storybook career of Mount Holyoke College senior Shara Robertson. The forward scored both goals for the Lyons in their dramatic 2-1 triumph over the University of New England this afternoon at Plymouth State University's Arold Field. After tying things up late in regulation, she knocked in the winner 3:39 into double overtime to send her team to the ECAC Championship for the third time in program history.
With the win, Mount Holyoke improved to 15-5 on the year. The third-seeded Lyons will face off against top-seeded Plymouth State in tomorrow's championship at noon. Mount Holyoke is participating in the ECAC Tournament for the fifth time in program history. The Lyons were crowned champions in 2002 and also made appearances in 1999, 2000 and 2005.
Plymouth State moved on with a convincing 4-1 victory over fourth-seeded Bridgewater State University in today's first semifinal. The Panthers were awarded home field advantage throughout the tournament after advancing to the Little East Conference Championship last weekend. They have outscored their opponents 67-25 en route to an impressive 18-3 mark thus far this season. Last fall, they captured their third ECAC title with a 2-1 victory over Bridgewater State in the finals.
The University of New England closed out its 2011 campaign with an overall record of 18-4. The Nor'easters entered the tournament as the second seed after falling in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship last weekend. Their 18 wins were the most in program history.
Both sides went scoreless until the 46:36 mark, when senior midfielder Bree Tupper recorded her 11th goal of the year to put the University of New England in front 1-0. After collecting a pass from the corner, she ripped a shot from top of circle off the foot of a Mount Holyoke defender and past senior goalkeeper Katie Gibson.
Refusing to go away, the Lyons took advantage a penalty corner of their own to even things up with just over four minutes remaining in regulation. First year goalkeeper Kaitlyn Warren made two saves on the play before Robertson pushed in the equalizer to send the contest to overtime.
Robertson struck again in the early stages of double overtime to seal things for Mount Holyoke. After collecting a centering pass from sophomore forward Stephanie Slysz, she slotted a shot past Warren for her 12th career winner.
Arguably the top offensive player in program history, Robertson has found the back of the cage 24 times this season and 65 times over the course of her outstanding career with the Lyons.
Mount Holyoke finished with decisive advantages in shots (18-8) and corners (21-8).
Gibson came up with four saves en route to her 15th win of the year for the Lyons.
At the other end, Warren turned away eight shots for the Nor'easters.
Photos by Leila Quinn '12
