Box Score OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Led by Most Outstanding Player Caitlin Dempsey who scored her seventh game-winning goal in the second overtime, the seventh-seeded Stevenson field hockey team defeated fifth-seeded Arcadia to claim the 2014 ECAC Division III Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Championship Sunday afternoon at Mustang Stadium.
The Mustangs (15-7), who were appearing in their first-ever postseason tournament, finishes the season with a five game unbeaten streak while dropping only one contest in their final nine games.
Dempsey finished the tournament with five goals and two assists, including two game-winning goals in overtime. Meanwhile, Stevenson finishes the year a perfect 6-0 in overtime.
The majority of the first half was a battle of possession as the Knights (15-8) controlled the ball early in the game, totaling five penalty corners in the first 11:10. The first shot of the game, which was recorded by Arcadia, didn't come until the 26th minute
Stevenson however was able to connect on its first shot as Dempsey scored her 25th of the season, as she was able to make a move to get by her defender and beat the goalie low for the go-ahead score.
Debbie Wolfe had two chances off the 12th penalty corner for the Knights but sophomore Gabriella Brooks came up with two saves, including the second one which she knocked out of the air after falling on the ground.
Playing with 10 players, Arcadia tied the game at one after Taylor Dalisera fired a shot from the top of the circle following a penalty corner by Katrina Dull. Arcadia held a 24-5 advantage in penalty corners in the game.
After the Knights held a 19-2 advantage in penalty corners, the Mustangs had three in the final three minutes but Stevenson was only able to manage a single shot, which went wide by Dempsey.
The first overtime was much like the second half, as action went back-and-forth for the majority of the 15 minutes. Arcadia outshot Stevenson 6-1 in the period and held a 5-0 edge in penalty corners, but were unable to find the back of the net as Brooks totaled five saves in that period.
Brooks finished the game with a season-high 11 saves, four shy of her career-high set a season ago.
The Mustangs controlled the game statistically in the second overtime, outshooting Arcadia 3-0, including the game-winner by Dempsey with 5:07 remaining. Dempsey has totaled nine goals in her last five games.
The game saw eight cards, including two yellow and two red.
The game marks the end of the career for Dempsey, Alison Kagel, Ariella Hopp, Brooke Few and Katelynn DeFiore. Together they have compiled 39 wins, the most over a four-year span, three conference tournament appearances and lastly, the program's first postseason championship.