LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Kourtney Cunningham scored just three minutes into overtime to break a scoreless tie and give the Broncs their sixth-straight win at home as Fairfield suffered a 1-0 loss. Rider has not allowed a single goal at home this season with the shutout win in the rematch of last year's title game.
It was a defensive battle in the first half with both team combining for just eight shots. The Stags (4-10-3, 1-5-2 MAAC) took three of their their four shots in a 12 minute span. Elena Santos, Jenny Jacobs, and Anna Borea all had attempts, but last year's MAAC Tournament MVP Bethany-May Howard was up for the challenge each time. All four of Fairfield's shots were on target in the first frame, and six of their seven total shots were on goal, but each one was picked up by Howard.
Rider (9-5-1, 6-2-1 MAAC) would dominate the second half, out-shooting the Stags 11-2. Two of those shots hit the crossbar, when Heather Maierle's attempt crashed off the post in the 61st minute and Caroline Healy's attempt was blocked by the post in the 84th minute. Jenna Pike picked up two saves in the second stanza, and finished the match with three. Faith Daley and Sarah Gerali both had attempts for the Stags, but Daley's shot was saved and Gerali's chance went wide.
The Stags had the first chance in the overtime, just 66 seconds into the period, but Maggie Walsh's shot was picked up by Howard. Cunningham, who scored her fifth goal in her rookie campaign, ended the game two minutes later when she converted a through-ball.
Howard finished with six saves and the Broncs out-shot the Stags 16-7 in the contest. Fairfield will play in their final match of the 2015 season when the travel to Saint Peter's on Wednesday at 2pm.
