THE BASICS:

• Score: Holy Cross 2, Bryant 1 (OT)
• Records: Holy Cross (6-5), Bryant (2-9)
• Location: Worcester, Mass. (Hart Turf Field)
• The Lead: Holy Cross sophomore forward Maureen Connolly (New Canaan, Conn.) scored the game-winning goal in the 78th minute to help lead the Crusaders to a 2-1 overtime victory versus Bryant in non-conference field hockey action on Friday evening at the rainy Hart Turf Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Bryant grabbed the lead in the third minute of the contest (2:05), as Emily Perryman ripped a shot on target from the right side to give the visitors the 1-0 advantage.
• Holy Cross, however, responded less than 10 minutes later (11:46). During a scrum in the circle, senior Michelle McNeil (Canton, Mass.) fed a ball from the middle to the left side to freshman Emily Loprete (Watertown, Mass.) who converted a one-timer to knot the game at 1-1.
• Both teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of regulation, but Holy Cross had a great chance to win the game at the end of the second half. In the 70th minute, the Crusaders gained possession in the attacking zone and attempted three shots on goal. Bryant goalkeeper Marissa Elizardo, however, made all three saves to force the overtime period.
• Just over seven minutes into the overtime, Holy Cross had a penalty corner opportunity. Connolly sent the ball to senior Kaitlyn Murray (Farmington, Conn.) who set up a shot for classmate Haley Makuch (Granby, Conn.) from the top of the circle. Makuch launched her shot intentionally wide to the stick of Connolly who tipped the ball past Elizardo and into the back of the cage, clinching the victory for Holy Cross.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Holy Cross freshman goalkeeper Megan Inch (Perth, Scotland) made seven saves and improved her record to 6-5 on the year. Elizardo also made seven stops for the Bulldogs.
• The Crusaders held the statistical edge in total shots (13-11) and shots on goal (9-8), but Bryant held the advantage in penalty corners (5-3).
• Connolly led all players with five total shots and four on target.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• The goal for Loprete was her seventh of the season, which leads the team. Her seven goals are the most by a Crusader since Carly Grimaudo also tallied seven in 2012.
• Connolly's goal was her second game-winner of the year, as she has tallied five goals and six assists in 2015 for a team-high 16 points.
• Holy Cross' six wins are its most in a season since the 2008 team finished the year with seven victories.
• The Crusaders' 24 goals scored this year are the most since the 2009 team also finished the campaign with 24 goals.
• Holy Cross is now 2-5 all-time in the series against Bryant.
• The Crusaders are now 5-0 at home this season, their best record in Worcester since 2001. 

UP NEXT:

• The Crusaders return to action on Friday, Oct. 9, when they host Patriot League foe Boston University at 5:05 p.m. in the first game of the Turnpike Trophy rivalry.

STAY CONNECTED:

• To stay updated on the Holy Cross field hockey team, follow the Crusaders on Twitter @HCrossFH, on Facebook at Holy Cross Field Hockey, and on Instagram at HolyCrossFieldHockey.
• You can also subscribe for email alerts for all news and information on the team by clicking here.