Written by Ali Holmquist, Sports Information Student Assistant

Alma, Mich. - The Alma College women's lacrosse team snapped a three-game home losing streak when they defeated Concordia University of Chicago 9-8 in overtime on Sunday afternoon (March 12). The Scots improve their record 3-2 while the Cougars drop to 2-2.

"I'm proud of the grit and perseverance displayed by our team today in our overtime victory," said Head Coach Ashley Johnson.

The Scots' win marks the first overtime victory since their 16-14 triumph against Olivet College during the 2012 inaugural Alma lacrosse season.

Despite losing the opening draw in overtime, the Scots would remain in control for a majority of the three-minute period. Junior Shelby Frazer (Holt, Mich./Holt) brought the Scots to victory when she scored off a free position shot with just 53 seconds left in overtime.

The second half proved crucial for the Scots as they came back from a two goal deficit and force the Cougars into overtime. The Scots came out of the half-time break with just a one goal lead on the Cougars. Senior Darby Kahler (Coldwater, Mich./Coldwater) would extend the lead 5-3 after finding the back of the net on a free position shot. The Cougars responded by going on a four goal run before junior Katherine Rogers (Farmington Hills, Mich./Farmington Hills) netted an unassisted goal cutting the lead to just one.

Concordia would re-extend the lead 8-6 with 6:54 remaining in the game. Freshman Mia Harvey (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Northern) answered back 18 seconds later with a goal assisted by Rogers. On an extra-man opportunity, Frazer tied the game with 5:11 remaining. With seconds remaining in regulation, junior Stephanie Mangutz (Mio, Mich./Mio-AuSable) would force Concordia to turn the ball over in the offensive zone sending the teams into overtime.

Frazer, Harvey, and freshman Nikki Reece (Livonia, Mich./Ladywood) all had two goals each. Senior Kaitlyn Urick (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbrand West) contributed to the victory with a goal in the first half. Reece also led her team with three ground balls and two caused turnovers. Mangutz tied her season-high of four ground balls.

"We had 6 different contributors on our attacking end, which is an improvement from our prior games this season," Johnson said. "Allie Ray was exceptional in cage and had a solid defense working hard in front of her."

Freshman Allie Ray (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y./Comsewogue) saw 65:07 minutes of action while recording 11 saves off 19 shots. Ray improved her record to 3-1. 

The Scots return to Bahkle Field to take on Northland College on Saturday, March 18. Opening draw is scheduled at 4:00 p.m.