Score: Elmira College 3, Wells College 2
Records: Elmira (1-5), Wells (2-7)
Location: Aurora, N.Y. - Wells Turf Field

AURORA N.Y. -- After two straight crushing defeats, the Elmira College field hockey team got its first victory of the season with a 3-2 triumph over Wells College Tuesday night. Julia Derco '17 scored the decisive goal, her first of the season, in the 61st minute off of a penalty corner.

The Soaring Eagles started to ramp up the offense while the game was tied at two, recording 10 shots in a span of 10:43 beginning in the 50th minute. The Express were able to withstand most of the barrage of shots, but could not deny Derco of the winning goal. She received the corner entry from Sarah McCaffrey '18 and fired the game-winner past Wells' keeper Kelsey Kokosa from the left side of the arc.

Wells got on the board first in the eighth minute. Katie Carroll '18 drew the game at one with a goal in the 24th minute off of a scramble in the front of the net. The Express retook the lead with a tally just over three minutes into the second half.

The Soaring Eagles responded and scored the next two, the first coming from McCaffrey in the 48th minute with a tap inside the left post, followed by Derco's game-winner.

It was a breakout performance for the Elmira offense, as EC's three goals, 21 shots and 12 shots on goal all mark season highs.

Turning Point
Tuesday's match looked like it might be heading to overtime, until Derco was able to put one in the back of the net. Both teams looked evenly matched, with both being able to tie up the score whenever they fell behind. Derco's goal gave EC the momentum needed to pick up its first win of the season. With the lead the secured, the Soaring Eagles would not allow the Express to get any of their final four shots in target.

In Their Own Words…
Head Coach Lauren Silva on the first win of the season…
"I am proud of us for finishing with a win in regulation. Our teamwork and persistence are what really allowed us to finish on top."

Silva on what the first win means to the team…
"It's a starting point. Tonight we proved we are capable of winning and we should be proud of this win."

Silva on the team work in the victory…
"I am proud of our teamwork. The fact that three different people scored is just one representation of that teamwork."

Inside the Box

• Elmira was awarded nine penalty corners, while Wells had six.
• EC goalie Julie Hockenberger '18 recorded seven saves.
• Carroll, Cassidy Genco '17 and Alison Mariano '18 led the Soaring Eagles in shots with four apiece.
• Both Carroll and McCaffrey each recorded one goal and one assist for EC.
• Emma Miklinski '17 picked up an assist on Carroll's goal.
• Derco scored the eventual game-winning goal.
• Wells finished with 15 shots, nine of which were on goal.
• Kelly Mason led the Express in shots with six and scored once.

News and Notes

• Tuesday's triumph marks the first win of the season for EC.
• Elmira improves to 11-1-1 in the all-time series and has won four straight.
• The Soaring Eagles had season highs in both goals (3) and shots (21).
• This is the first time Elmira has scored at least three goals since a 3-0 victory over Oswego State on October 3, 2015.
• McCaffrey and Carroll recorded a season-high three points with one goal and one assist.
• Derco's game-winner was her first goal of the season.
• It was also the second game-winning goal her career.
• Carroll's goal was the fifth of her career.
• McCaffrey's goal was the fifth of her EC career.
• The win was the third straight one-goal game for the Soaring Eagles.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles return to Empire 8 Conference competition on Saturday, September 24th, against St. John Fisher College. The contest is set to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Fisher's Growney Stadium, in Pittsford, New York.