Kopecka Lifts GMU over Columbia in Double OT
from press release
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Anna Kopecka and Caitlin
Formato combined to erase a two-goal deficit in regulation and
freshman Kopecka scored with 1:32 left in double overtime to lift
the George Mason lacrosse team past Columbia at Robert K. Kraft
Field Thursday afternoon.
Mason (2-6) held a 6-1 lead early in the first half, but Columbia
(1-4) worked its way back and brought it to a one-goal contest at
7-6 at intermission. The Lions immediately came out in the second
frame and took the lead with three unanswered goals. Julianne Tela
knotted the score at 9-9 with a tally at the 23:20 mark as Columbia
took a two-goal advantage twice before Kopecka and Formato scored
within a minute of each other to tie the score at 13-13 with 1:13
left in regulation. Both teams were scoreless in the final minute,
sending the contest into overtime.
Mason took three shots in the first overtime, including a Kopecka
attempt that went wide with two seconds remaining, but was unable
to convert. Karlee Blank picked up her fifth and final save of the
game in the period as the teams went into a sudden-victory
situation.
Mason earned all three draw controls in overtime, capped by Chelsea
Gamble's to start the second. The Patriots failed to convert on a
free position attempt with 2:04 left before Kopecka scored the
game-winning shot off an assist from Gamble in the game's 68th
minute.
Emily Ellisen led the Patriots with four goals in the contest while
Kopecka posted three. Madalyn Jamison and Allie Hilderbrandt both
added two with Gamble, Formato and Tela contributing one apiece.
Jamison added a pair of assists to finish with four points.
Brittany Pastrana played the full game in cage recording five
saves.
Taylor Gattinella paced the Lions with four goals while three
players added three apiece. Kacie Johnson picked up a game-high
three assists.
With the win, Mason wrapped up this eight-game road swing and
returns to Fairfax to open its home slate on Wednesday, March 23
against American. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at George Mason
Stadium.
