Sparkill, N.Y. - Nicola Van Vuuren's overtime, game winning tally sent the St. Thomas Aquinas College Field Hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 double overtime victory over Millersville University on Friday afternoon at Spartan Field

STAC improves to 1-3 on the year, while Millersville falls to 2-1 overall.

The aforementioned Van Vuuren scored a pair of goals on the afternoon for the Spartans, with both assists being credited to teammate Katelyn Cerrato. Emma Ruley tallied the lone goal for the visiting Marauders, with the helper going to Caitlin Wasserman.

In the cage, Madeline Schaefer (W, 1-1) made 8 stops on 9 shots for the maroon and gold, with Kerstin Koons (L, 2-1) turning away 3 of 5 shots faced for Millersville.

How it Happened

6th Minute: Off of a penalty corner insert, Katelyn Cerrato fired a shot on target, which lost steam and was picked up by Nicola Van Vuuren and put home, past Kerstin Koons, to give the hosts the 1-0 advantage.

21st Minute: A pass from Caitlin Wassermann sprung Emma Ruley up field as she was able to beat Madeline Schaefer to even the score at 1-1.

79th Minute: Nicola Van Vuuren's second of the day came on a Millersville turnover and foul, which sent Katelyn Cerrato, Van Vuuren and Phileine Langeveld into the offensive zone on a 3-on-3. Cerrato sent a feed up to flying Van Vuuren, who fired a shot past Koons for the game-winner and to give St. Thomas Aquinas their first win of the season, 2-1.

Inside the Box Score

• Van Vuuren's two goal afternoon puts her just one behind teammate Madelief Heijmans (3) for the team lead.
• Millersville outshot STAC 19-7 (9-5 on goal) in the match, while the visitors also earned a decisive 20-3 penalty corners advantage over the Spartans.
• Nicola Van Vuuren recorded a game-high five shots, with four going on goal.

Up Next

STAC will resume action when they visit East Stroudsburg University on Tuesday, September 17. The Spartans and Warriors are set to do battle beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Whitenite Field in the Keystone State.