MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- The Gwynedd Mercy University Field Hockey Team traveled to nationally ranked Montclair State University on Saturday in a matchup of a pair of NCAA Tournament participants from a year ago, but it was the #10 Red Hawks scoring a thrilling 3-2 victory over the visiting Griffins with a late goal in a back-and-forth contest. 

Montclair scored early in the first stanza just over seven minutes into the game. They would hold their lead throughout the second stanza as well to hold the goal advantage at the halftime break.

The Griffins would answer in the third stanza with a goal from Allison Campbell and Tori Sherwood. Campbell would tie the game at 1-1 at the 36:36 mark with an assist from Erika Cimino for her team-leading sixth goal on the season. Montclair would answer less than four minutes later to retake the lead. However Sherwood would knock in another equalizer assisted by Michaela Swenk just under a minute to tie things up heading into the final frame. The goal was the second on the year for Sherwood.

Both teams would record four shots each in the fourth stanza but the Red Hawks found the back of the cage with just under ten minutes remaining on a score from Elizabeth Cimilluca.

The Griffins would get a pair of shots off in the closing moments on a penalty corner but Nicole Andriani would record two of her eight stops on the day to help Montclair to the victory.

Abi Kennedy recorded seven stops for GMercyU.

Both teams finished with 13 shots each with Montclair holding an 11-8 penalty corner advantage.

The Griffins return back to action on Wednesday as they play their third New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent, this time a road game at Stockton University starting at 7 p.m.