Junior forward #1, Ellie Hunkins celebrates after scoring the game winning goal in overtime against WestConn on September 25.
An overtime goal scored by junior forward Ellie Hunkins gave Keene State the win over Western Connecticut this past weekend. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, the Lady Owls faced off on their home turf against the WestConn Colonials with a 2:30 p.m. start time.
The goalies were junior Molly Edmark for Keene State and junior Kayla Hnasko for Western Connecticut. The first period was quiet when it came to scoring, with no points being put on the board. There were shots taken by both sides, the first shot being 36 seconds into the game by Irini Stefanakos. The second shot was also taken by Keene State, this time, by Laren Hausser. A shot by Ellie Hunkins about five minutes into the game would also be stopped by WestConn’s goalie Hnasko. WestConn took one shot of their own in this period, which was taken by Mia Schumey. The Owls would take one last shot this period, which was again taken by Stefanakos.
The second period would have almost the same outcome. Keene State took six shots, all blocked by the Colonials goalkeeper Hnasko. This period, WestConn did not take a single shot, leading to a very uneventful second period.
The third period was very eventful, with two goals being scored. The first goal was by WestConn’s Alessia Callahan off an assist by Nora Swift. This was Callahan’s first goal of the season and gave the Colonials the lead of 1-0. Keene State would fight back though, scoring one of their own about six minutes later by Stefanakos. This goal gives Stefanakos her seventh goal of the season so far, the most of any player on the team so far. That would be the last of the scoring for either side.
The teams were tied heading into the fourth and final period, with Keene State taking eight more shots compared to WestConn’s one shot. Unfortunately for the Owls, a scoreless fourth period would lead them to overtime to break the tie.
The first overtime had the same result of the first, second and fourth periods, with neither team scoring. This resulted in a second overtime chance, allowing the teams one more opportunity to score a goal and get the win for their respective teams.
The Owls did manage to score in the second round of overtime, allowing them to take the win for their team. The winning overtime goal was off an assist from Grace Taylor. This winning goal gave Hunkins her third goal for the season. The win made the Owls 2-7 this season. The Owls will be back in action Thursday, September 30 where they will go head-to-head against Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
