Copeland Nets OT Winner to Lead Women's Soccer to 4-3 Victory

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. -- Sophomore Molly Copeland (North Falmouth, Mass.) scored her second goal of the game 1:09 into overtime to lift the Bridgewater State University women's soccer team to a 4-3 win over Salve Regina Saturday afternoon at Gaudet Field.

Junior Amber LaPorte (New Hartford, Conn.) added a goal and an assist for the Bears, who won their season-opener under first-year head coach Lou Verrochi.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Birrell (Hope, R.I.) scored all three goals for the Seahawks, who slipped to 1-1. LaPorte's goal at 65:13 put the Bears in front 3-2, but Birrell's third of the game and fourth of the season at 79:39 evened the score at three and sent the game into overtime.

In the extra frame, junior Jordan McDermott (East Bridgewater, Mass.) floated a pass to Copeland, who broke in alone on freshman goalie Jacqueline McPherson (Mansfield, Mass.) and beat her low to her left side.

Copeland opened the scoring 3:49 into the contest when she scored off a pass from LaPorte. Birrell answered with unassisted tallies at 14:17 and again at 62:25 to put the Seahawks in front 2-1. Junior Laura Sudbey (Rockland, Mass.) tied the game at two when she knocked home a corner from senior Amanda Vigneault (Ludlow, Mass.).

Senior Kayla Grover (Haverhill, Mass.) made two saves for the Bears while freshman Jessica Lane (Marshfield, Mass.) started for the Seahawks and made two saves. McPherson came on to start the second half and notched two saves in defeat.

The Bears outshot the Seahawks 16-13 and held a 9-4 edge in corner kicks. With the win, Bridgewater State improves to 15-1-0 all-time against Salve Regina.

The Seahawks return to action on Tuesday when they host UMass Dartmouth at 4 p.m. The Bears host Babson next Saturday at 2 p.m.