The Husson University field hockey team captured its second-straight Central Maine Collegiate Field Hockey Conference title in thrilling fashion Sunday afternoon at the Winkin Complex, earning a 3-2 overtime victory over Thomas College thanks to an overtime winner from junior Faith Tillotson.
After trailing 2-0 midway through the third quarter, the Eagles (8-7) clawed their way back with three unanswered goals — capped by a golden goal from Tillotson in overtime — to take down the Terriers (14-6).
Thomas struck first on a goal off a penalty corner from Maci Freeman in the second quarter, then doubled its advantage on a third-quarter penalty stroke by Kara Richards to take a 2-0 lead.
Husson responded late in the third when Lauryn Brown buried a rebound off a feed from Tillotson to make it 2-1. Early in the fourth, the Eagles evened the score when junior Tessa Capozzoli redirected a shot from senior Maddie Perkins into the cage off a corner inserted by Tillotson.
Neither team could find the back of the net through the remainder of regulation, forcing extra time tied at 2-2. In overtime, Husson controlled possession and capitalized with just under three minutes remaining when Tillotson converted on a setup from Perkins to seal the 3-2 comeback victory.
Perkins finished with two assists on the day, while Brown, Capozzoli and Tillotson each tallied a goal.
In goal, freshman Ella Duchette anchored the Husson defense with six saves across the 67 minutes of play, including a key stop on a Thomas penalty corner in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles held an 8-6 edge in shots on goal and a 4-3 advantage in penalty corners over the final three periods, after struggling to get going in the opening frame.