SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 28, 2006 – Sophomore forward Nicole Hanewich (Cumberland, R.I.) netted her seventh and eighth goals of the season, including a thrilling overtime goal, to help Springfield College advance past the Clark University Cougars in overtime, 2-1, in the first round of the 2006 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament.

The Pride improves to an overall mark of 12-4, while the Cougars finish their season with a 4-11-1 tally.

Hanewich put the first score on the board at the 12:28 mark. Striking the ball from outside the 18-yard box, the ball ricocheted off the inside of the left goalpost and dropped into the back of the net to put the Pride ahead, 1-0.

The Pride’s lone goal in regulation appeared to be enough to hold off the Cougars in today’s first round match-up of the NEWMAC Tournament. SC totaled a 13-8 edge in shots overall, limiting Clark to just two shots-on-goal for the day.

Late into the second half, the Cougars stepped up their intensity, keeping the Pride on the defensive. Clark outshot the Pride 6-4 in the second half but struggled to find an equalizer. With less than three minutes to go in the match, an SC defender headed the ball backwards in the box as Clark senior Stephanie Holmes picked up her first goal of the season to knot the score at one-all.

In overtime, the Pride regained its momentum, outshooting the Cougars 3-1. With only 2:36 left in the first overtime, Hanewich put her head on a ball that had rebounded out of Clark's keeper’s hands to win the match.

SC sophomore goalkeeper Sue Jenney (Agawam, Mass.) recorded her 10th win of the season, putting aside one shot. Cougar senior keeper Thea Link made six saves on the day.

The No. 2 Pride will compete in the semifinals of the NEWMAC Tournament Saturday, November 4th. The location, opponent, and time are to be determined. SC will face the winner of the No. 3 Smith College versus No. 6 Wellesley College in a match to be held on Sunday, October 29th.

published: 10/28/2006