Action-Packed OT Thriller Ends in Tie

By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information

An evenly matched SLIAC game between the Blackburn College Beavers and the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers ended in a 2-2 tie after double overtime. This score marked the first time of the year in which one team in a Blackburn women's game has not been shut out. In the other 15 games, either Blackburn or their opponent have been held scoreless.

Seniors Jordan Parker(Waterloo, Ill.) and Shana Sewick(Belvidere, Ill.) played their last collegiate home game on Saturday afternoon. It was a special day for Sewick as she made her 500th career save in the game.

This hard fought battle was at a back and forth pace throughout. The Tigers had 27 shots compared to the Beavers' 26. Blackburn had the upper hand in corner kicks by a 6-4 margin. Iowa Wesleyan committed 15 fouls whereas Blackburn only had ten. The goalkeepers were even as well. They both surrendered two goals but Sewick had thirteen saves to the Tigers' Caitlin O'Neil's twelve.

Hannah Maledy put Iowa Wesleyan on top eight minutes in until Alexis Richie(Carlinville, Ill.) knotted up the scoring with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Nique Byots(Carlinville, Ill.) and Kenzie Pesavento(Staunton, Ill.) were credited with the assists.

In the second half, the Tigers again scored first with a goal from Cassie Lyons. But once again, Alexis Richie knocked in a clutch goal to tie the game at two. Richie's two goals were her SLIAC-leading 16th and 17th of the season. Nique Byots earned her second assist of the game.

There were a few chances in both overtimes for both teams, but nobody could cash in and send their team away with a victory. Richie of Blackburn amassed 18 total shots and Maledy of Iowa Wesleyan had 12 which were both team highs.

Blackburn is now 1-5-1 in SLIAC play and 6-9-1 overall. They will finish up the season on the road with games at Eureka on Wednesday and Fontbonne on Saturday.