Leonard Scores in Overtime To Notch Rams Victory

Stephanie Leonard, a Framingham High product, scored the only goal in overtime on a free position shot as the Framingham State University Rams erased a second half deficit and defeated Massachusetts Maritime 11-10, Saturday afternoon in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference action at Maple Street Field in Framingham.

With the win, the Rams improve to 8-5 on the year and are 3-2 in the conference, while the Bucs fall to 5-6 overall.

The Rams jumped out to a 3-0 lead less than seven minutes into the game, but the Buccaneers came back with three straight goals from freshman Stephanie Hunt to tie the game with 12 minutes left in the half. The two teams traded goals before the Rams rattled off three straight goals from junior Stephanie Leonard, senior Zoe Reilly and freshman Morghan Cassella.

The Buccaneers closed the gap back to two in the final minute of the half went Hunt converted off a feed from junior Molly Smith ) for her fourth of the day.

Mass. Maritime scored the first three goals of the second half to take their first lead of the day (8-7) on a marker from Hunt. The Rams tied the game at 8-8 on Cassella’s tally with 17:24 remaining in regulation, but the Buccaneers snatched the lead back with two straight goals including a free position shot from Hunt with 8:33 remaining to take a 10-8 lead.

The Rams cut the deficit to one with just over six minutes remaining on a marker from sophomore Kayla Hoggins. The game would remain a one goal differential until the final minute. With 50 seconds remaining the Rams had a free position opportunity and Hogggins found Cassella for the game tying marker.

Leonard provided the only goal in overtime on a free position shot just under two minutes in to give the Rams the victory.

The Rams are back in action Wednesday evening when they travel Bridgewater State University at 7 p.m.

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Release courtesy of Framingham State athletics

Photo courtesy of Framingham State University