ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – The St. Mary's College of Maryland field hockey team picked up their second straight United East Conference tournament championship title Saturday afternoon (Nov. 8) in thrilling fashion. Senior captain Emma Watkins (Frederick, Md./Linganore) netted the game-winning goal with 4:26 remaining in the second extra frame to lift top-seeded St. Mary's College (13-5) to a 1-0 double overtime triumph over second-seeded Penn State Harrisburg (13-3).
 
This is the Seahawks' second consecutive United East crown but third league tournament championship title in a row, counting the team's 2023 Atlantic East Conference title victory. SMCM will now represent the United East in the 2025 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship Tournament for the second year in a row. They will find out their next opponent tomorrow night (Nov. 9) during the NCAA Selection Show at 9 pm on NCAA.com.
 
Watkins was named the Tournament MVP following her game-winner this afternoon plus a goal and an assist in the team's 9-0 semifinal win over No. 4 seed Lancaster Bible College (Nov. 1).
 
How It Happened

• First-year midfielder Morgan Knott (Denton, Md./North Caroline) sent in a pass from outside of the left side of the circle which was knocked down by a Harrisburg defender. Watkins corralled the rebound and spun around the defender before slipping it past a diving Macenzie Mulholland for the win.
• The Lions' Ami Mattingly notched the only shot of the first period late in the quarter, which sophomore goalie Sophia Kent (Chesterville, Md./Gunston) handled to keep the game scoreless.
• Knott and junior midfielder Tori Hampton (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora) looked to put St. Mary's College on the board within the first seven minutes of the second quarter but both shots were just off target, sending the teams into halftime in a scoreless draw.
• The Seahawks picked up their offensive momentum in the third stanza, outshooting the visitors, 10-0. However, Mulholland withstood the onslaught as she made five stops while Alexis Nasuta picked up a defensive save to maintain the status quo.
• Shots were 5-2 in the fourth period in favor of SMCM as both Kent and Mulholland were tested. Kent had one save while Mulholland turned away two shots to force the game into overtime.
• Kent and junior defender Safi Stimely (Linthicum, Md./Broadneck) kept St. Mary's College's season alive with two key saves during a flurry of Lion shots early in the first extra period. Mulholland did her part yet again with another save late in the first overtime to keep Harrisburg in the game.

 
Inside the Box Score

• The Seahawks posted a 30-7 shot advantage, including a 15-4 margin in shots on goal.
• SMCM collected an 11-4 edge in penalty corners as well.
• St. Mary's College now leads the all-time series with the Lions, 4-0, including two playoff wins. Additionally, this marks the second overtime game between the two sides as the Seahawks earned a 1-0 overtime victory at Harrisburg during the 2024 regular season.

 
St. Mary's College

• Kent finished with three saves in the team's 11th shutout of the season. Kent improved to 11-5 with her fifth solo shutout.
• Watkins now has 13 goals this season while Stimely added her third defensive save.
• The Seahawks will head into NCAA Tournament action on a three-game win streak.

 
Penn State Harrisburg

• Mulholland put up 13 saves while Nasuta collected the team's first defensive save of the season.
• Mattingly led the Lions with three shots.

 
Up Next for the Seahawks

• Nov. 12 – NCAA First Round

 
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