ERIE, Pa.- The Queens University of Charlotte field hockey collected its first win of the season this afternoon defeating Mercyhurst, 5-4, in overtime on the road. The win moves the Royals to 1-1 on the year while the Lakers open their season at 0-1.
 
Gabe Lechner scored today's game-winning goal in the 73^rd minute of action on a pass from Molly Walter. She finished the game with two goals to lead Queens while Cassie McKenzie, Irene Zvorsky, and Kennedy Bratton each scored one goal. Walter completed the game with two assists while Frances Huffman recorded one assist.
 
Following goals from McKenzie and Zvorsky in the first and second quarters, the Royals took a 2-0 lead into the halftime break. A goal from Lechner sandwiched between a pair of Lakers goals allowed Queens to remain in control of the game heading into the fourth quarter as they led 3-2.
 
In the fourth, Bratton received a pass from Huffman and found the back of the cage early to give the Royals a two-point cushion, but Mercyhurst scored twice more before the end of regulation to force the match into overtime.
 
Queens outshot Mercyhurst, 31-13, this afternoon putting 25 shots on goal to the Lakers' eight. The Royals also led in penalty corners, 16-7.
 
Mercyhurst goalkeeper Kayla Desormeau finished the day with 19 saves and the loss in the cage. Queens' Marlee Geppert earned her first win of the year after totaling four saves.
 
Queens returns to play on Friday, September 10 at Mount Olive. It will be the first conference game of the year for the Royals.