ITHCA, N.Y. – Catie De Stio scored in the 74^th minute to give the Cornell field hockey team an overtime victory against Yale this afternoon on Marsha Dodson Field to remain undefeated in the Ivy League. The Big Red improves to 5-4 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

 

The game-winner came as a result of a penalty corner when Sara Sanders ripped a shot on net that was stopped by Bulldog goalie Katie Bolling, but the rebound went to De Stio, who bounced it into the net.

 

“I was pleased with how well we played overall,” said head coach Donna Hornibrook. “We possessed the ball very well and created more scoring chances than we have all season. And our composure in the circle was outstanding. Any time that you give up just one penalty corner, you have to be happy with the defense.”

 

Cornell wasted no time jumping out to a 1-0 lead just 37 seconds into the game when Sara Sanders sent a long pass up field to De Stio. The sophomore attacker carried the ball along the right endline before sending a centering pass to Abbi Horn, who one-touched it into the back of the net.  

 

The early score was an indication of how well the Big Red would dominate the game offensively, outshooting Yale, 24-4, and putting 17 of those shots on goal. Cornell had at least six one-on-one opportunities to score, but was held off by Bolling, who made 13 saves. Yale defenders Taylor Sankovich and Vicki Gordon also added one defensive save apiece.

 

The Cornell defense was equally impressive, allowing just one Bulldog penalty corner. Unfortunately, that one corner proved to be all Yale needed to tie the game, 1-1, in the 63^rd minute when Julie Weisner beat Cornell goalie Melanie Jue to the lower left hand corner.     

 

Jue ended the game with three saves, including an impressive pad save just nine minutes into the contest to preserve the Big Red's early lead.

 

Cornell is back in action tomorrow as it plays host to Lehigh on Sunday, Oct. 5 at Marsha Dodson Field at noon.