Duke rebounded against Princeton after suffering a tough loss on Friday.
Junior back Alyssa Chillano put away a penalty stroke in the 79th minute to lift second-ranked Duke over No. 12 Princeton, 2-1, in overtime Sunday. After dropping their first ACC contest of the season Friday at No. 4 Syracuse, the Blue Devils demonstrated resiliency against the Tigers to improve to 11-2 on the year.
Chillano registered both tallies as Duke moved to 8-2 against ranked opponents.
Junior back Sarah Furey contributed a key tackle inside the Duke circle that set up the squad’s best scoring opportunity of the overtime period. Graduate student Aisling Naughton fought her way into the circle on the other end, and her attempted shot drew the penalty stroke for the Blue Devils. Chillano sent the ball into the top left corner for her second overtime game-winner of the season.
The Tigers (7-5) held the edge in shots and corners during the first 35 minutes of play, but Duke capitalized on a lone corner opportunity toward the end of the half. Chillano fired home her ninth goal of the season on assists by freshman Margaux Paolino and junior Ashley Kristen to put the Blue Devils in front.
recap: Two @alyssa_chillano goals lift No. 2 Duke over No. 12 Princeton https://t.co/wooUdyGDGb#GoDuke pic.twitter.com/kBQD7I2Rde
— Duke Field Hockey (@Duke_FH) October 9, 2016
Duke maintained its strong presence on the defensive end in the second period, neutralizing a pair of dangerous situations in front of the cage. Princeton put a ball into the back of the cage but saw the goal disallowed on a dangerous play. However, the Tigers were able to break through on their next trip up the field when Sophia Tornetta corralled a rebound and put it back to even the match in the 54th minute.
The Blue Devils pushed forward in response to the Princeton tally, with Chillano and senior Heather Morris sending shots just wide of the cage. Duke controlled possession in the waning minutes but the clock expired with the score at 1-1.
Both teams drew penalty corners minutes into overtime, but goalkeepers Sammi Steele and Grace Baylis were there to make stops. Steele and Baylis were credited with one save each on the afternoon.
For the contest, the Blue Devils held a 9-7 advantage in shots after outshooting Princeton 7-4 over the final 43 minutes. The Tigers totaled five penalty corners to four by Duke.
The Blue Devils continue their road swing next weekend, traveling to Wake Forest Friday, Oct. 14 and Old Dominion Sunday, Oct. 16.
