Written by Joshua Soto (LIU Post Sports Information)
Brookville, NY| Junior Emily Miller scored the double-overtime game-winner in the 93rd minute as the fourth-seeded LIU Post field hockey team defeated the top-seeded Saint Anselm Hawks, 3-2, in the semifinal round of the NE-10 Conference Championship away from home on Friday night.
The Pioneers (17-3) advance to the conference final for the second consecutive year where they'll meet sixth-seeded Assumption College.
Saint Anselm opened the scoring in the 34th minute when Mary Nee tallied from a Mia Vecchione pass to ensure the hosts a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Pioneers recorded two shots early in the second half before finally breaking through in the 39th minute. Alyssa Lopresti followed Miller's saved shot and the senior tapped in her eighth goal of the year. The Hawks answered back three minutes later and retook the 2-1 lead.
LIU Post continued to push on the offensive front and it paid off as Lopresti tallied her second goal of the game to score the equalizer in the 59th minute.
After a scoreless first overtime which featured the Pioneers outshooting the hosts 3-1, LIU Post appeared rejuvenated in the second overtime period, having recorded the first five shots on goal. The Pioneers found themselves heading to the NE-10 Championship final when Saint Anselm keeper Julia Hand parried an attempt off Miller, but Miller capitalized on her own shot to net the game-winner.
Freshman keeper Rachel Vellis recorded 10 saves in the win while Saint Anselm's Hand was credited with eight saves.
The Pioneers, who are now the highest-remaining seed in the tournament, will host the NE-10 Championship final on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. Follow the action live here.