Azzi's Overtime Goal Leads Field Hockey Past New England College

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- First-year Alex Azzi's goal 9:25 into overtime handed the Wellesley College field hockey team a 3-2 victory over New England College on Wednesday afternoon. The victory improved Wellesley to 2-0 on the season, while New England College suffered it's third-straight loss to open the year 0-3.

Azzi, who entered the game as a sub, needed just three minutes of play to make an impact. The rookie started a penalty corner for the Blue, sending a pass to Allison Robbins, who rocketed a shot towards the goal. Azzi fought her way into position in front of the net and redirected the shot from the left side into the right corner of the goal for the game-winner.

The Pilgrims got on the board first as Marisa Ayote tipped in a shot from Katie Roberge, to give NEC a 1-0 lead 13-minutes into play. The Blue answered back 14 minutes later, as Katie Frett tallied the equalizer off of an assist from Kate Cushing.

The game remained 1-1 until the 56th minute of play when New England College's Rachel Carnaroli scored off of Roberge's second assist of the game. Once again, Wellesley tied it up, as the Blue's Frett scored off of a rebounded save to knot the score at two-apiece.

Both teams were held scoreless over the remaining regulation time and the game was sent into overtime. New England College seemingly took control in the first few minutes of the extra period, picking up two penalty corners, but were unable to score before Azzi's goal won it for the Blue.

The Pilgrims, who got out-shot 32-24, were kept in the game by strong play from keeper, Melissa Mower who picked up 16 saves on the afternoon. The Blue also received solid play between the pipes, as Sarina Sawyer made eight stops.

Wellesley hosts their annual alumnae game on Saturday at noon, and then returns to regular action on Tuesday at 4:30pm at Bowdoin College. NEC opens TCCC play on Saturday with a noon game at the University of New England.