Box Score 

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Junior midfielder Meghan Hoskins converted a penalty kick midway through the first overtime to  lift the Norwich University women's soccer team past Simmons, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Howard Field.

The victory propels the top-seeded Cadets (14-4-1) into the GNAC Tournament semifinals, where they will face St. Joseph (Conn.) on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m.

After a scoreless first half, Norwich broke through with the first goal of the game in the 49th minute as Sarah Reuschel took a feed from Hoskins and drilled the ball into the upper right-hand corner of the net to put the Cadets on top, 1-0.

Simmons (6-12-1) came right back, however, tallying the equalizer just two minutes later as Brooke MacKenzie beat Norwich sophomore goalkeeper Alecia Wright on a direct kick from 30 yards out.

Both teams enjoyed several chances throughout the remainder of the contest, but neither squad could net the go-ahead score.

Hoskins' penalty kick opportunity came after NU applied pressure in the Simmons penalty area and a Sharks' player was whistled for a handball.

Norwich outshot Simmons, 20-10, for the game.

Wright was solid in the Cadets' goal, making four saves en route to earning the victory. Simmons goalkeeper Rachel Elliott kept the Sharks in the game throughout, making several huge stops and finishing with seven saves.

"This was a game that neither team deserved to lose," said Norwich head coach Tyler Renaud. "We are happy to be moving on, but it was a tough way for the game to be decided. 

"I think throughout the game we had the better of the play, but Simmons has played this entire year toe-to-toe with everyone in our conference. Simmons created as many game-winning chances as we did, and their keeper was phenomenal in goal.  

"As for our play, Alecia Wright was solid off her line. Nikki Sczcepanski caused havoc in the Simmons defensive third, and Sarah Reuschel needs to be applauded for her overall play and upper 90 goal in the second half.  Hoskins stepped in with the game on the line and showed her true grit, and as nerve racking as the situation was, she composed herself and buried the kick.   

"We need to work on is not commiting fouls in our defensive third. Their goal, which was a fantastic strike, was a direct result of two fouls in a row. The ladies should be proud as they have broken the record for most wins in a season. Hopefully we can break it again on Wednesday."