Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Crystal Poland notched two goals for No. 9 Northeastern, including the game winner, in the Huskies' 3-2 thrilling overtime win against the James Madison Dukes on Friday evening. NU (8-2, 2-1 CAA) also got help from an early goal from Lindsay Bennett and two saves from senior goalkeeper Lizzie Priest to edge JMU for its seventh win away from home.

It was Bennett who got things off on the right paw for the Huskies, sliding in the game's first goal just 6:14 into the contest, following a penalty corner. Bennett, who is Northeastern's primary inserter on corners, received a nice pass from sophomore Kate Carlson that allowed her to take advantage of the situation. It was Bennett's second goal -- and eighth point -- of the season, while Carlson earned her third point with the helper.

The game quickly turned around in favor of the Dukes, however, as the halfway mark of the first period drew near. At 10:18, the Dukes' Rachel Wein dribbled in a penalty corner, edging it just past Priest in the cage, which tied things up at 1-1. Just over six minutes elapsed until James Madison struck again, this time as Amy Goldstein gobbled up a loose ball and sent it in for JMU's second goal of the half. But a scoring drought would ensue for nearly the entire rest of the period.

Just before the horn blared, however, the Huskies earned a penalty corner, their sixth of the half, which Poland deposited for the game-tying score. Assists were doled out to Bennett and primary stick setter Nicky Graham on the score. Instead of a deficit, the Huskies brought momentum and a tie game to the locker rooms at the break.

Into the second stanza, the Huskies nearly extended their lead before even the 36:00 mark hit when freshman Deirdre Duke's shot missed just wide of the cage. Two minutes later, Poland had a shot on goal, but that would be the last action for some time, as both teams struggled to find solid footing in the circle for a clean shot. JMU had two opportunities towards the end of the period, but once again, Priest made a crucial save with fewer than four minutes left on the clock. Bennett had an opportunity for the win at 67:36, but her shot was blocked in the circle, sending the game into overtime.

Not keen on giving up in overtime, the Huskies jumped out with possession in the extra period. A mere 1:11 into OT, Poland ran on a fast break on the right side of the cage and netted her second score of the evening to quickly capture Northeastern's eighth overall and second CAA victory of the season. The goal gives poland 16 on the year and 66 career scores, tying her with Keri Bettenhauser (1994-97) for second-most all-time at Northeastern. Poland is now just one goal shy of tying the program record of 67, held by Mari Creatini (2001-04) and Denise Nasca (1992-95).

Northeastern will have the rest of the weekend to rest before hitting the road again to face Harvard at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, in Cambridge, Mass.

Connect with the Huskies
Connect with Northeastern Athletics and Northeastern field hockey on Facebook and Twitter to receive scores and information, interact with fellow fans, access photos and videos, and receive exclusive promotional and ticket offers.

Northeastern Athletics: @GoNUathletics | facebook.com/GoNUathletics
Northeastern Field Hockey: @GoNUfhockey | facebook.com/GoNUfhockey