VESTAL, N.Y.—Tiffany Ryan scored just over a minute into the overtime period, and the Binghamton women's lacrosse team (1-1) defeated visiting Niagara (0-1) 6-5 at the Bearcats Sports Complex today.
 
"I'm just really proud of our team and their resiliency today—we've been learning over the last couple of years how to win," stated head coach Stephanie Allen. "I think it was really encouraging to see them come out, rally, and stay composed in a really tough situation at the end of the game, to come out on top today. It's something our program is hoping to see a lot more of, but we're still taking baby steps game by game."
 
Ryan started the scoring for the Bearcats in the opening half, scoring off a pass from Sophia Racciatti to give BU a 1-0 lead. From there, the Bearcats and Purple Eagles would trade two goals apiece to close out the half. Racciatti made it 2-1 when she scored via free position shot, and Callon Williams gave the Bearcats a 3-2 lead when she scored off a pass from Olivia Batista with a minute left in the half.
 
Williams opened the second half with her second goal of the game to make it a 4-2 Bearcat lead with 28:34 left. Both offenses would then go silent for over fifteen minutes, until Ryan's second goal made it 5-2 with 11:20 left. Niagara would tie it up with three straight goals, the last of which game with just three seconds left in regulation.
 
Heading into the sudden death overtime period, the Bearcats needed a spark to give the team back the momentum, and the win. After being awarded the ball due to a yellow card on Niagara, Binghamton promptly marched the ball down the field, where Ryan battled past two defenders to fire home the game-winner.
 
It was the third career hat trick for Ryan, and her first of the 2016 season. She currently leads the Bearcats with four goals.
 
"I think we're going to see her play a much bigger role this year," remarked Allen. "She's really starting to come into her own—just understanding game flow. She's stepping up to the plate right now."
 
Callon Williams (two goals), Sophia Racciatti (one goal, one assist), and Olivia Batista (two assists) helped carry the load offensively.
 
Erin McNulty made 11 saves in cage to spark the defense. She's opened this season with back-to-back games with double-digit saves.
 
"Erin's come out strong this season," exclaimed Allen. "In the last two games we couldn't be more proud and pleased with her performance in the goal. She's really showing her senior leadership and her experience in the net."
 
It was the Bearcats' first overtime victory since defeating Marist 17-16 on March 7, 2012. The five goals against is the lowest since Binghamton defeated Sacred Heart 9-5 on March 7 of last season.
 
The Bearcats will hit the road for a game at Lafayette on February 23, before returning home to play Quinnipiac on Saturday, February 27.