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Grantham, PA – Grove City junior Sam Weber scored a game-winning goal just 1:27 into overtime to make history for her school, sending the Wolverines to a 1-0 decision over Western Connecticut State for their first-ever NCAA victory. Weber's goal came after she was played a cross from the right side by classmate Chelsea Tarolli, with Weber cutting in front of her defender to touch forward for the score. Her shot—taken from 10 yards out in front of the goal— went on the ground past WCSU keeper Caitlin Avery and into the left side of the net.
“It's a dream come true,” Weber said her game-winning score. “It was great to get that ball come across the field. We just made program history and it feels incredible.”
Weber's goal ended what was a tight and intense game between the Wolverines and Colonials, as both teams battled in the midfield all afternoon. Just 16 shots were taken between the team teams—eight apiece—as the two 15-win teams limited mistakes in their attempt to move into the Second Round.
“There weren't a lot of 'finishing' chances out there,” Grove City head coach Melissa Lamie said. “There were big battles taking place in the midfield and on the flanks. It was a physical battle.
The overtime win for Grove City was their fourth in six chances this season, as they now hold a 4-1-1 record in extra-time games in 2012.
“That has been our M.O. this year,” Lamie said. “We've made it interesting in games all season, and we came out on top again today.”
Though Weber notched the game-winner in overtime, she came close to putting her team ahead with less than 15 minutes remaining in overtime. Her direct kick from 20 yards out in the midfield was headed for the top-center of the goal before Avery punched the ball over the crossbar at the last instant. The save would be one of three on the day for Avery.
“I give a lot of credit to our defense,” Avery said, adding in praise of the defensive play by teammates Samantha Trayer and Camille Lawson. “We didn't give up that many opportunities, and we were able to clear the ball out consistently.”
“From a tactical standpoint, we wanted to be sure we kept our shape on defense,” WCSU head coach Joe Mingachos said. “We wanted to make it as difficult as possible for Grove City.”
For more than 91 minutes, the Colonials did just that. In the end, Weber found her chance to make a great play.
“(Sam) wants to be that go-to person,” Lamie said of her star forward. “She doesn't fear failure.”
The loss for Western Connecticut ends a season highlighted by their at-large selection to the NCAA Championships. They finish the season with a 15-5-3 record, including a 5-2 showing in the Little East Conference. This season's NCAA postseason appearance was their 10th in program history.
For Grove City, the win moves them to 16-3-2 on the season. Also an at-large selection to the NCAA postseason, the Wolverines advance to a Second Round match-up with host Messiah College. The Falcons
defeated Roger Williams earlier in the day by a score of 2-1.
For Weber, the opportunity to play Messiah is a dream come true.
“Last year, I told my coach 'I want to play Messiah' before my career is over,” Weber said of playing the defending national champions. “To have that chance in the NCAA Tournament is great. I want to play the best.”
