Burke's OT goal pushes Salve Regina ahead of Fitchburg, 2-1

NEWPORT, R.I. - Freshman Kelly Burke [Georgetown, Mass.] scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season five minutes into overtime to lift Salve Regina University field hockey over visiting Fitchburg State College, 2-1, in a non-league contest.

The Seahawks have won four of the last six meetings with the Falcons, and rebounded from a tough 3-2 loss to TCCC foe University of New England on Saturday.

Senior forward Paula Bartalamia [Tewksbury, Mass.] scored her team-leading sixth goal in the 51st minute to give Fitchburg a 1-0 lead. Salve Regina (4-4), which outcornered the visitors 16-5 for the game, got the equalizer with an unassisted goal from junior midfielder Ali Campagna [West Hartford, Conn.] in the 64th minute.

The Seahawks, now 4-2 in overtime games since 2008, maintained possession through much of the second half into overtime.

"We played a much stronger second half," said Seahawk head coach Jennifer Eldridge. "We made some adjustments that allowed us to maintain possession and pressure Fitchburg. I am very proud of how our team kept that momentum going into OT and didn't let up."

Eldridge also praised the defensive efforts of freshman Alexa Fisher [Aquinnah, Mass.] and sophomore Michelle Massey [Mendon, Mass.] who allowed only seven shots to reach goalkeeper Devin Eppley [Darien, Conn.]. Eppley and her counterpart Taylor Van Ahnen [Seekonk, Mass.] made six saves apiece.

Salve Regina hosts Bridgewater State College on Thursday (4 p.m.) before Fitchburg State hosts Salem State on Saturday (11:30 a.m.)