Bassallo scores magical OT winner against SCSU on National Field Hockey Day

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – On National Field Hockey Day, the American International College field hockey team had every reason to celebrate thanks to a remarkable overtime goal by Dominique Bassallo that clinched a 1-0 victory over Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday, September 14.

AIC is now 2-1 on the 2024 campaign.

After a scoreless first 60, the teams readied for a 7-on-7 golden goal session. The Owls drew a corner and appeared to have scored just over two minutes in, but the tally was waved off due to a foul on the offensive team prior to the ball crossing the line. Two other chances were stuffed by rookie netminder Frederique den Hartog.

AIC cleared the ball, and the Owls tried firing it back up the field when magic happened.

Bassallo won a one-on-one about 15 yards from AIC's defensive circle and cut to the middle. She deked out several defenders along the way, driving into the Southern Connecticut circle on the right side before firing a shot back across to the left post. The bid hit a defender's stick and deflected into the top right of the net at 3:08 of the extra session, sending the Yellow Jackets into a frenzy.

This Dominique Bassallo OT goal is #SCTop10 material. @espn @SportsCenter @TheNortheast10 @NFHCA pic.twitter.com/zMg8XX01gM

— AIC Athletics (@aicathletics) September 14, 2024

Both teams had chances in regulation. Owl keeper Rachel Miller made five stops, including a few late in each of the first two quarters on corners and a dangerous chance by Mar Busqueta in the third.

den Hartog was even better, turning back nine chances, including five between the final 11 minutes of play and the extra session. Many of her best stops came on defensive corners, as the Owls drew seven, with three in the fourth frame and one in extra time.

The win was her first victory and shutout at the collegiate level, giving AIC two goalkeepers to earn their first of both in as many games after Emily French blanked Saint Michael's in AIC's previous contest.

AIC gets right back to it, as the Yellow Jackets face Maryville University on Sunday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Ronald J. Abdow Field.