GOLDEN, Colo. - #14 Colorado School of Mines outplayed #1 UCCS for long stretches of the game, but a quick-strike goal in double-overtime handed the Mountain Lions a 2-1 win at Stermole Stadium.
Shanade Hopcroft scored 31 seconds into the second extra period to lead UCCS (13-0-0, 9-0-0 RMAC) to the win. Savannah Mills had leveled the game early in the second half after
Nicole LaTourette put the Orediggers (11-2-1, 7-1-1 RMAC) ahead from the penalty spot in the 13th minute.
Mines outshot UCCS 15-9, holding the Mountain Lions to their season low in shots.
The Orediggers began strongly taking the first five shots of the game in the opening ten minutes before a foul in the box handed Mines the opportunity for a PK. LaTourette left no doubt with her finish to beat Mollee Swift and take a 1-0 lead; the Orediggers would go on to outshoot UCCS 7-2 in the half as they controlled long stretches of the opening 45 minutes.
The Mountain Lions almost immediately equalized the game to start the second half when Mills struck a terrific goal from an awkward angle at 46:21. That opened the game up as both teams had chances, but ultimately regulation ended 1-1. The first overtime belonged to Mines as they outshot UCCS 4-0 and nearly won it when
Zoe Sano rifled a shot from the top of the box just over the cross bar.
Emma Peterson also had two shots in the period including one to force a Swift save. UCCS' gamewinner came off a quick counter as Kaitlin Hinkle found a streaking Hopcroft for a fast finish 31 seconds into the second overtime.
NOTABLES
- LaTourette's goal was the first penalty scored by the Orediggers this season.
- LaTourette scored her 23rd career goal to tie former teammate
Jennifer Kendall for fourth on the career scoring list. She also moved into a tie with
Emily Garnier for fourth on the points list with 54.
- Mines held a 5-4 edge on corners.
- Swift made six saves for UCCS.
Shannon Mooney had four stops for the Orediggers.
- Peterson led Mines with four shots.
- It was only the third time in program history and first time in the regular season that Mines met the nation's #1 team, going 0-2-1 in those games.
- Mines leads the all-time series 14-5-1.
NEXT UP
Mines will host MSU Denver Sunday at noon.