The women's soccer team used the strength of two unanswered goals, including the game-winner in overtime to drop the University of Delaware Blue Hens, 2-0, for the first time in program history.
Head coach Kazbek Tambi said he had some motivational words for his team before overtime.
"We said we worked hard to get back in the game," Tambi said. "It first of all was a great achievement to tie the game and earn overtime. Now it's time to win it."
And that's what the Pirates did.
In the second minute of overtime junior midfielder Brittney Albrecht dribbled past the defense on a break. Her shot was deflected by the goalkeeper but junior midfielder Ashley Clarke was there to put in the rebound to earn the win.
The Pirates (5-0) were stunned by a goal just one minute and 20 seconds into the game by senior forward Alexandra Miller. Goalkeeper Gina Maiorana was distracted by a collision in the box as the ball squirted through the net.
The goal was the first the Pirates let up all season, snapping a four game goalless streak. The current five-game winning streak is the second longest winning streak in program history.
The Pirates continued to fight back, led by freshman defender D'Yonna Riley, who made a key stop in the 12th minute as she rode the Blue Hens attack to send the ball out of bounds.
In the 61st minute of action, Marie Klemme looked to cross the ball but fired a long shot from the right side and clipped the net for the Pirates. The goal tied the game and eventually sent the game into overtime.
Tambi said the win has given the team more motivation because of their determination and ability to survive under pressure.
"We're excited," Tambi said. "This was probably our toughest test so far."
The Pirates are in action again at 7 p.m. Monday as they travel to West Point, N.Y. to take on the Army Black Knights.
T.J. Brennan can be reached at thomas.brennan@student.shu.edu
