SPRINGFIELD, Va. — George Mason University fell to Robert Morris University 11-10 in overtime in a closely contested non-conference matchup on Friday. The Patriots' offense was highlighted by four power-play goals, but the Colonials secured the win with a sudden victory goal.
The game began with robust efforts from both teams. Robert Morris opened the scoring, but the Patriots quickly responded with a free-position goal from
Kaitlyn Bestick at 12:06, leveling the score. The teams exchanged goals, with the Colonials scoring at 10:35 and
Kate Anders responding for the Green & Gold at 09:50, assisted by
Addison Bechler.
George Mason then gained momentum, with
Delaney Stup scoring twice, including a man-up goal assisted by
Giselle Torain at 02:51. Bechler added another goal with a free position shot at 01:27, giving George Mason a 5-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Patriots'
Olivia Perry initiated a pivotal moment by causing a turnover and securing a ground ball early on. Despite consistent efforts, including a blocked shot by
Brynn Belmont and several other attempts by her teammates, George Mason faced challenges in converting opportunities. The Colonials capitalized with goals by Gabi Puzevic and Jade Doldo, pulling ahead. However, the Patriots' persistence paid off in the final minute, as K. Bestick scored to level the game at 6-6 by the end of the quarter.
In the third quarter, the Patriots staged a pivotal rally, highlighted by Stup's efforts. Stup scored twice, first capitalizing on a man-up situation with a free position shot at 10:15, then adding another goal at 5:41 to push George Mason ahead. Despite several infractions and turnovers, the Patriots' defense, including a crucial save by
Regan Bestick, helped maintain their momentum. The quarter concluded with George Mason leading 8-7.
In the fourth quarter, the Green & Gold mounted a comeback with Anders leading the charge. After a series of setbacks, including fouls and turnovers, Anders scored off a man-up free position shot at the 7:11 mark, narrowing the Colonials' lead. Building on this momentum, Anders found the net again at 4:56, tying the game at 10-10. Despite the Patriots' efforts and a crucial save by
Regan Bestick in the final seconds, regulation ended with the score locked at 10-10.
Overtime started with
Margaret Harmon committing a foul and receiving a green card, which gave Robert Morris an advantage. The Colonials capitalized, scoring a sudden victory goal just over a minute later, winning them the game.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Patriots face LIU on Monday, Feb. 9. The game will take place in Brooklyn, New York, with first draw scheduled for 1 p.m. A broadcast will be available on NEC Front Row.
