Pihl scores winning goal in thrilling victory

Boston, Mass. - Freshman Alanna Pihl (Franconia, NH) scored in the second overtime to lead the Wheelock Wildcats to a thrilling 3-2 win over visiting Elms College Saturday in New England Collegiate Conference play. Wheelock's Jill Chaffee (Bridgewater, MA) had two shots stopped by Elms goalie Katelyn Wasgatt (Worcester, MA) before Pihl caught the rebound and found the back of the net to end the game.

It was the Blazers who notched the first goal of the afternoon when Kaitlyn Grahm (Paxton, MA) lifted a shot past Wheelock goalie Meredith Race (Marion, MA) less than five minutes into the first period. Elms kept the lead for most of the first half, until Wheelock's Kim Ganley (East Andover, NH) scored off of a penalty corner with four minutes remaining to tie the score heading into half-time.

In the second period, the Wildcats took a quick lead when leading scorer Jill Chaffee (Bridgewater, MA) knocked in a shot. But Elms raced down the field and tied it up 45 seconds later on an unassisted shot by Senior Sarah Lapolice (West Springfield, MA). The score would remain tied for the next 55 minutes, before Pihl's shot gave Wheelock the tough fought win.

Elms goalie Wasgatt had 14 saves to keep her team in the game, while Race had six stops. The Wildcats outshot the Blazers 24-10, with most of those coming in the second period and overtime. The win moves Wheelock to 2-10 overall and 2-3 in NECC play, while Elms falls to 3-9 overall and 2-3 in the conference.