MIDDLEBURY — Visiting Rice edged the Middlebury Union High School field hockey team on Monday, 4-3, in overtime, for the Tigers’ first loss of the fall.
The Division I Tigers dropped to 1-1-1 heading into a game at Mount Abraham on Friday, while Rice, a D-II finalist each of the past two seasons, improved to 1-1.
The Green Knights struck early in overtime for the game-winner, when Sierra Combs knocked in a Lucy Stillman centering pass. Caroline Provost led Rice with two goals, and goalie Jacqueline Bartlett stopped eight shots.
For MUHS, Lily Smith scored twice and set up a Sara Kelley goal. Smith now leads the Tigers with three goals after also scoring in the Tigers’ opening 2-2 tie at Mount Mansfield, a goal that the Cougar coach incorrectly credited to another player.
Defensively on Monday, Tiger back Alex Whipple made a key play in the final minute to preserve the tie and send the game to overtime, and goalie Baily Ryan made 13 saves.