BOCA RATON, Fla. – Junior
Hannah Christophe converted a pass from
Jessica Bonenclark with just one second remaining in the first overtime period, as Nova Southeastern edged Lynn 2-1 on the road to close out the regular season Tuesday night. The Sharks overcame a one-goal deficit to pick up their season-high fifth consecutive win, and as a result, have now locked up the No. 2 seed in next week's Sunshine State Conference Tournament.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 2, Lynn 1 (OT)
Records: Nova Southeastern (12-5-1, 7-2-1 SSC), Lynn (4-10-2, 2-7 SSC)
Location: Bobby Campbell Stadium | Boca Raton, Fla.
Get Social: Twitter - @NSU_WSoccer | Instagram - @nsu_wsoccer | Facebook - /nsusoccer
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Sharks held a slight 7-5 shot advantage midway through the opening half, yet it was the Fighting Knights who broke through first when forward Donish Henry-Cole drilled a shot into the left side of the net for her second goal of the season.
- Nova Southeastern nearly evened up the match just moments later, but shot attempts by Liz Haizlip and Emily O'Connell were both turned away by Lynn keeper Lina Lundgren.
- The Sharks' offensive attack threatened again with three opportunities in a span of 1:14 in the early stages of the second half. The fourth time proved to be the charm, though, in the 64th minute after Christophe linked up with Adanna Edwards for a one-timer from the top of the box to knot the score at 1-1.
- Nova Southeastern kept its foot on the gas, eventually outshooting Lynn by a margin of 18-2 in the second half alone. However, a final attempt in the 89th minute by Jemma House was once again saved by Lundgren as the match proceeded into extra time.
- Both defenses dominated much of extra time until a beautifully played through ball by Bonenclark set Christophe up for the game-winner.
STATS OF THE NIGHT:
- The Sharks' 31 total shots on Tuesday were their second-most this season, trailing only their 32 attempts recorded against Alabama Huntsville Sept. 2.
- Keeper Natalie Robayna needed just two saves to improve to 7-2-1 on the year.
- Christophe racked up a season-high nine shots in 77 minutes off the bench.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
- Tuesday sealed NSU's third come-from-behind victory of the season. The other two wins also came in conference against Florida Southern and Palm Beach Atlantic.
- Nova Southeastern has now won 12 games apiece in each of head coach John Constable's four seasons.
- The Sharks have clinched a Top-2 seed in the SSC Tournament each year since 2015.
- NSU closed the regular season with a 9-1-1 record in its final 11 matches.
UP NEXT:
Nova Southeastern has earned an automatic bye, and will now host one of two SSC Tournament semifinal matchups next Thursday at 6 p.m. To stay up-to-date with the Sharks, follow them on Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.