Hoffman's overtime game-winner propels LIU past Sacred Heart, 1-0

SHELTON, Conn. – The Long Island University Sharks came from behind on Tuesday to claim a 3-2 overtime victory over Sacred Heart University in the first game of the NEWHA Commissioner's Cup series.

In lieu of a formal conference championship, LIU and Sacred Heart are vying for the Commissioner's Cup, a unique championship experience that will reward one of the two remaining teams competing in the league. The Sharks will take their series lead back home for game two, which will be played on Thursday, Mar. 4 at 2 p.m.

Down by a 2-1 margin after two periods, the Sharks potted a goal near the midpoint of the third stanza to force overtime. With each team getting off two shots in the opening minutes of overtime, Julia Hoffman knocked home a rebound in front of the Sacred Heart goal at 3:03 to put the Sharks ahead in the series, 1-0.

After a scoreless first period in which her team was outshot by a 14-to-8 margin, Paige McNeil scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season to push Sacred Heart into the lead, 1-0, just 49 seconds into the second period. After an interference penalty by Sacred Heart, the Sharks' Megan Roe cashed in with a power-play goal at 9:28 to tie the game at one.

Committing two penalties within 12 seconds, LIU was forced to kill off a 5-on-3 power play by Sacred Heart in the second period's final minute. The Pioneers were able to come away with the face-off victory and score just seconds later as Kelly Solak elevated the hosts to a 2-1 lead with 28 seconds to go in the second.

Heavy offensive pressure by LIU paid off in the third period as the 15th consecutive shot attempt by the Sharks found the back of the net. Shortly after a power play expired for LIU, Carrigan Umpherville tied the game at two with her first goal of the season.

LIU's Kenzie Harmison made 24 saves on 26 shots, earning the win, while Sacred Heart's Frankie Sanchez faced 36 shots and turned away 33.

Sacred Heart's Nicole Guidi blocked a team-leading three shots as LIU held the statistical edge, 36-to-26.