GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Panthers won a thrilling overtime game against Indiana Tech 18-17 behind a clutch play by senior duo Tara Pluger and Brooke Knoll. Davenport had a commanding seven-goal lead late in the first half after going on a six-goal spree. The Warriors chipped away at the lead and tied up the game with just under 15 minutes to play. This was a big time win for the Panthers as Indiana Tech was previously undefeated and ranked one spot above them in the national rankings.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: #4 Davenport-18 | #3 Indiana Tech-17
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Record: Davenport 5-1 (4-0) | Indiana Tech 8-1 (4-1)
 
GOALS PER PERIOD
First period: DU-12 | IT-9
Second period: DU-5 | IT-8
OT period: DU-1 | IT-0
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers got on the board first in this game. Taylor Ries scored back to back goals just under two minutes into the game to give DU the lead. The Warriors responded with two goals to tie the game up 2-2. Davenport went on a big streak towards the middle of the first period, scoring six un-answered goals and taking a 11-4 lead with seven minutes remaining. Indiana Tech responded with five un-answered goals shortly after to cut Davenport's lead to two goals. Jessica Lemcke notched a free position goal with 22 seconds left in the period to help DU take a three goal lead at half.
 
Ries scored the opening goal of the second half and Davenport had a four goal lead early. After a weather delay with 22:44 remaining in the second half Indiana Tech went on a five goal flurry to take a 15-14 lead with 12:30 left in the game. The remainder of the game felt like every single play could decide the outcome, as the teams traded a couple goals. Knoll scored a goal with 6:17 that put DU up 17-16, Indiana Tech tied it up with 4:18 left. Neither team would score during the remaining four minutes and over time was needed to determine a winner.
 
In the over time period there was three minutes put up on the clock and the first team to score would win the game. The Warriors won the opening draw control and were in the driver's seat. After two yellow cards were issued, one for DU and one of Indiana Tech, Amber Livingston got a shot on goal. Her shot was saved by the Warriors goal keeper. After DU regained possession Pluger found an open Knoll who scorched the game winning shot past the keeper.
 
Knoll recorded a game high eight goals during the game and surpassed the 200 career goals milestone. She now has 204 career goals and is only the second player in program history to do so.
 
INSIDE THE BOX
Ryann Deuel (2 GB, 4 CT, 8 DC)
Lemcke (3 G, 3 P, GB, 2 DC)
Pluger (3 A, 3 P, GB, 2 CT)
Knoll (8 G, 8 P, GB, CT, DC)
Ries (5 G, A, 6 P, GB, DC)
Alex Yates (7 saves, 6 GB)


 
UP NEXT
Davenport has a quick turnaround as they compete against Madonna University tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. on the DU Turf Field.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner

Photo credit: Tyler Triemstra