VERSAGE'S GOLDEN GOAL TAMES WILDCATS IN OT, 1-0

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RADFORD, Va. – Senior Alayna Versage scored 1:14 into the first overtime to give Radford field hockey a hard fought 1-0 win over Davidson in a NorPac East Division battle on Friday evening at RU Hockey Field.

The victory ended a three-game slide and was good bounce back after suffering a one-goal loss to Longwood at home on Tuesday. It was also a breath of fresh air for the Highlanders (2-5, 1-1 NorPac East) as they snapped a three-game drought against the Wildcats (3-4, 0-2) and came out on the positive side of a one-goal decision.

"It's so nice to finally get and win in overtime, especially in conference play," said head coach Jeff Woods. "We did a nice job of holding off Davidson's relentless attack in the first half."

In the overtime, Radford took possession and quickly moved down into its offensive end, and after a few fouls, the Highlanders earned a corner during the 7-on-7 sudden death session. Sophomore Stacey Mackintosh ripped a shot off the far post and the ball came right to Versage. In the ensuing scrum on the near post, the senior defender banged home the golden goal. It was her second score in as many games.

"As long as we keep possession in overtime, we can put it in the goal," Versage commenting on her conversation with senior goalkeeper Sidney Encarnacion right before the start of overtime.

Radford survived a first half barrage by Davidson and despite being outshot 15-4 and the Wildcats owning an 11-4 advantage in corners, the Highlanders went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0. A lot of that had to do with Encarnacion, who made six of her seven saves in the half, Versage with her team-best fourth defensive save and several other Highlanders who blocked shots and disrupted numerous Wildcat corners.

"Our corner team was tested tonight, but they held their own," Woods stated. "I give a lot of credit to Davidson for the way they came out and pressured us. It was good to see us weather the storm. We are making progress and just need to keep working."

Versage is now tied for second in the Radford record books with 15 career defensive saves, matching Angela Feindt ('04).

The Wildcats continued to push early in the second and Melissa Funsten finally put one past Encarnacion, but the keeper was helped out by the near post and the ensuing rebound by Anna Davis went just wide in the 42^nd minute.

The Highlanders put a couple of their corner shots on frame, but DC's Emily Leytham was up to the task stopping both attempts. She finished with four saves.

For the game, the Wildcats outshot Radford, 19-10 and held the advantage in corners, 13-8. Mackintosh led the Highlanders with four shots. Funsten charted a match-best seven shots, followed by Davis who registered six.

Radford hits the road for a tough test at No. 9 Duke on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

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