Oxford, Ohio - In its season opener, the Maryville field hockey team dropped an overtime decision against Slippery Rock, in a game played in Oxford, Ohio. The score was tied 2-2 after regulation and two overtime periods. However, Slippery Rock prevailed 3-1 in penalty strokes to take the contest by a final 3-2 margin.
 
Tia Sansone gave the Saints the early lead when she converted a chance just 91 seconds into the game. Delanie Winkelmann  doubled the Maryville led as she collected a pass from Lachlan Sanders and deposited the ball into the cage at the 3:48 mark. Slippery Rock pulled one score back in the second quarter but the Saints took a 2-1 advantage into the break.
 
Slippery Rock tied the game late in the third quarter as the contest moved into the final 15 minutes. Saints goalie Liz Bierhals made three saves to keep the game deadlocked. Winkleman's shot nearly put Maryville ahead in the 52nd minute but her try was turned away. The Saints earned a penalty corner with three minutes to go but were unable to convert as the game moved into overtime.
 
In the first extra session, Calista Crocker had two good chances for the Saints but was stopped. Slippery Rock earned a penalty corner but nothing came of the attempt as the score was still deadlocked at 2-all. Alison Tom had Maryville's best chance in the second OT but the game eventually was decided on penalty stokes. Sansone had four shots on goal to top the Maryville offense. Biehals came up with nine saves in the net. 
 
The Saints are back in action Sunday, as they take on American International University in a 2:30 p.m. CT start back in Oxford, Ohio.