Final Stats

BALTIMORE - Natalie Zelensky collected an Abby Thomas feed at the top of the 18, turned and fired a shot that found the net in the 108th minute for her second goal of the game, lifting the University of Delaware to a 2-1 victory over host Loyola University Maryland on Friday night at Ridley Athletic Complex.

Zelensky opened scoring in the ninth minute, taking a long feed from Maddie Brosler to get behind the Greyhounds defense and slide a low shot past Loyola goalkeeper Colleen Folan.

Loyola, however, scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute on a long chip by Rosy Hayes. Morgan Crable played a throw in to the feet of Hayes. The senior struck a shot from 20-plus yards on the high-right side that curled under the crossbar, tipped off the fingers of Blue Hens goalkeeper Kailyn Rekos and fell into the back of the goal.

Hayes' strike was the next-to-last shot Loyola would take in regulation, but Delaware managed only two before the game went to extra time.

"I think we had some good chances to finish the game, but it really came down to the fact that they finished two and we only finished one," head coach Naomi Meiburger said.

Loyola had four freshmen make their debuts as Greyhounds in the game; Kaisa Aalto, Julianna Cabrera, Kate Reese and Mia Sardella. Cabrera, Reese and Sardella created the only scoring opportunities for the Greyhounds in the first overtime period.

"It's encouraging to see so many young players do well early in the season and their career," Meiburger said. "I think Julianna was easily one of the better players tonight. Kate and Mia had great performances and did exactly what they needed to do tonight."

The Greyhounds' best opportunity to score in overtime came in the 96th minute when Sardella took a corner kick to the middle of the box. Reese elevated above the pack and connected on the aerial ball, but her header sailed just over the crossbar, as play continued into the second overtime.

Throughout the contest, Delaware held a 16-6 advantage in shots, while both teams combined for 13 corner kicks.

Folan finished with six saves, while Rekos faced only one shot on goal, the tally from Hayes.

Loyola returns to action Monday, Aug. 24, to host the Hawks of Monmouth University at Ridley Athletic Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.