OT Loss to Crusaders Destroys Bid to Make Playoffs

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Goucher's chances of making next month's Landmark Conference playoffs ended the second Emily Sullivan's shot in the 108th minute cleared the goal line and provided Susquehanna with a 2-1 victory over the the Gophers in double overtime today.

To claim the only unfilled playoff berth, head coach Tati Korba's squad needed to beat the Crusaders and have Drew and Moravian finish in a draw. The Gophers (8-7-3, 2-5 Landmark) did get the help they had to have as the Rangers and Greyhounds wound up deadlocked at 4-4.

Goucher and Susquehanna were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. The Crusaders (9-7-2, 2-5 Landmark) went up 1-0 on an unassisted goal by Grayclynn Juckes at 48:52, but the Gophers evened the score at 55:34 with an unassisted goal by Samatha Turner (Vineland, N.J./Vineland).

It was Turner's team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Saves by Juliana Harkavy (Memphis, Tenn./Ridgeway) on two shots by Juckes in the first 10-minute extra session helped get Goucher into the second OT. Juckes got off her sixth shot of the contest in the second OT, but was again denied by Harkavy, who finished with eight saves.

Juckes picked up an assist on Sullivan's game-winning goal for the pass she made into the box, setting up a shot into the lower left corner.

"This was a really tough loss and it ultimately kept us out of the playoffs," commented Korba. "We didn't catch many breaks this season, but the team gave it everything they had and we persevered through a ton. I'm so very proud of their effort this season and so thankful to the dedication and commitment of our six seniors who have raised the bar so much higher."