OT Header Sends UMass Past Holy Cross

Patry Goal and Assist Leads Minutewomen

September 15, 2008

AMHERST, MASS. - Senior Vanessa Patry headed in a corner kick at the start of the second overtime to capture a 2-1 victory for the UMass women's soccer team over Holy Cross on Sunday afternoon at Rudd Field.

Patry also assisted on the first goal of the contest, scored by Vanessa Lima just 1:45 into the match. Extending their unbeaten streak to four, the Minutewomen improve to 2-1-2 with the win, while the Crusaders drop to 0-6.

Vanessa Patry notched a goal and assist for UMass. (UMass Athletics)

"We're just happy to get an overtime win and also to get a win against a team that is much better than their record indicates," Head Coach Jim Rudy said. "They gave us everything we could handle; we were one goal away from losing this game. It was a tough game for us, and tough for them too."

The Minutewomen jumped out to the early lead when Patry's initial shot hit the crossbar. Lima corralled the rebound and beat Holy Cross goalkeeper Jessica Stone with a shot to the top right corner, giving UMass the 1-0 advantage in the second minute. Patry's assist extended her point scoring streak to three straight games.

Holy Cross tied the score at one midway through the first when Shelby Stand's long shot bent in to beat Massachusetts goalkeeper Lauren Luckey high and to the right. The goal came at 22:59 and was unassisted.

After a scoreless second half and first overtime, the Minutewomen converted on their fourth corner kick of the game. Therese Smith delivered a perfectly placed cross to Patry who headed it inside the right post to end the game in thrilling fashion.

Luckey was strong in net, making five saves for her second win of the season, while Crusaders' netminder Jessica Stone totaled four stops. Shots were 15-13 in favor of UMass. Holy Cross was whistled for more fouls, 19-15, and led in corners, 6-4.

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