ST. LOUIS – RB McGowan scored the golden goal in overtime to lift Saint Louis field hockey to a 2-1 victory over Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at the SLU Field Hockey Complex, capping a storybook Senior Day for the Billikens.
Seniors Sierra Larson and Kerri O'Donnell were honored in a pregame ceremony, and both played key roles in the Billikens' victory. Larson scored Saint Louis' first goal, while O'Donnell turned aside nine shots and picked up the win in the cage.
After a scoreless first three quarters, Larson broke through at the 51:03 mark in the fourth quarter to give Saint Louis a 1-0 lead.
Central Michigan responded at 57:26, when Carolena Ryon scored off an assist from Teah Savignano to send the game to overtime tied at 1-1. The Chippewas pulled their goalie moments before to gain an extra attacker.
The Billikens continued to battle in the extra period, and their persistence paid off when Saint Louis earned a penalty corner. Josie Naeger and Macy Budd assisted McGowan on the game-winning goal at the 71:32 mark, securing the dramatic victory.
O'Donnell delivered a standout performance in goal, recording nine saves as Central Michigan finished with a 20-11 advantage in shots. The senior goalkeeper came up with several key stops, including five saves in the fourth quarter, to help the Billikens force overtime and ultimately earn the win.
Larson led the Billikens with five shots, including four on goal, while McGowan, the reigning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week, provided the decisive finish.
Saint Louis improved to 5-8 overall with the victory, already matching last year's total. Central Michigan fell to 4-10.
SLU resumes A10 play next week when it travels to Philadelphia to take on La Salle on Friday, Oct. 16.
