HENNIKER, N.H. – The Southern Vermont College women's soccer team came back to create a 2-2 tie in regulation, a score which stood throughout two overtimes.

                New England College came out strong, applying complete pressure and pinning the SVC defense back.  The Pilgrims went up early when they wouldn't waste any time getting on the board as junior forward Kristen Walker (Franklin, Mass.) would put in a breakaway shot assisted by Alyssa Krause (Northfield, N.H.) just seven minutes into the opening half. 

                The Pilgrims would gather another goal just minutes later as Walker would hook up with Krause for the second time as Krause would head-in a cross from Walker at the 17:06 mark. 

                The second half started with New England applying pressure, however the Mountaineers were able to work the ball and get a free kick in the offensive end.  Jocelyn Ortega (Chula Vista, Calif.)then placed the ball over the Pilgrims' keeper to make the difference a single goal.

                NEC continued to take shots, but it was the Mountaineers who were able to get inside the penalty area and have a penalty kick awarded.  Senior captain Shawnee Webster (Hoosick, N.Y.) took advantage and hit the PK to tie the match, 2-2.

                SVC was able to put off a New England College attack which took five shots after the tying goal, attempting to prevent the match from going into overtime.  Such was not the case as neither team could finish before regulation expired, including a shot from Webster which was saved just a couple minutes before the whistle.

                New England applied pressure throughout the two overtimes, yet was unable to finish opportunities.  Cecchini made two saves in each 10-minute overtime period to keep the match in a stalemate.  She finished with nine on the night, while counterparts Tricia Sardagnola (Shrewsbury, Mass.) and Heather McFarlane (Philadelphia, Pa.) accounted for three (two and one, respectively).      

SVC coach Michael Zauzig commented that, "This team showed so much heart, so much energy and such a fighting attitude to get back in the game… There's no other way to put it than 'we grew up tonight'."

The Mountaineers will next take on Lesley University during SVC's Homecoming Weekend at 1 p.m. this Saturday against Lesley University.  The Pilgrims will look ahead to Saturday when they host Castleton State College at 5 p.m.