Peacocks Win in Double-OT Thriller To Break School Record

Box Score

For the fourth match in a row, the Peacocks received a goal from an unsung hero to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat. This time, it was senior defender Catherine Bunting who scored in the 103rd minute of Sunday’s double-overtime NSIC match against Augustana to give the Peacocks a 1-0 conference victory.

With the win and the weekend sweep of two conference foes, this 2012 UIU team moves into sole possession of the new school record with 13 victories in a season. The Peacocks snap a record that was set back in 2007 - coach Brian Bahl’s first season as head coach. UIU is now 13-2-1 overall and 10-2-1 in conference play this year.

“We knew this would be a battle today, Augie is a very good team,” Bahl said. “ We knew if we could keep them off the board, we were confident our goal would come and Cat delivered in style.”

After only one shot from UIU in the first overtime period, Bunting attempted her only shot of the match in the 103rd minute. Not only was it her first goal of the season, but it was her first collegiate goal as a Peacock.

“I'm just really happy everyone tried their hardest,” Bunting said. “We had several opportunities, and I'm glad we were able to capitalize and get the win.”

The Peacocks had a total of 24 shots in the match, marking the second straight match the team had 23 or more shots and the fifth game of the season the Peacocks totaled 20 or more shots. Coming into Sunday’s match, the senior from Cedar Rapids had only taken four shots, but did place three of those four on frame. On Sunday, she not only placed her shot on goal, but she found the net.

“I'm really happy to be a part of making history,” she said.

Bunting and the rest of the Peacock defense also held strong on the defensive side of the ball. UIU held the Vikings to just five shots in the first half and a total of 15 in the match.

Augustana had its chance early in the first overtime period to steal a victory as Kirsten Smith and Maren Werth both attempted a shot. All three of the Vikings shots in extra time were off target and UIU was able to take advantage. Peacock goalkeeper Amanda Smith needed just five saves against the Vikings to seal her 13th shutout of the 2012 season.

The Peacocks earned a free kick just before the 103rd minute. After a deflection, Bunting netted the game-winning goal on a long shot to the top right corner of the net.

Looking beyond that goal and the victory, UIU still has some holes to fill on offense. The score covers up what has been a sore spot for coach Bahl all season– missing opportunities and not finishing goals has haunted the Peacocks at crucial times this year. As the minutes clicked by, that fate looked eminent, but UIU bounced back and the Peacocks can enjoy the victory and the record until they take the field again.

“We just have a tremendously special team and group of ladies,” Bahl said. “They have shown their resilience all year, I couldn't be more proud. We still have big things ahead that we are playing for, though, so we have to keep working to get better and not be satisfied.”

UIU will play one final road match in the regular season as they head for St. Paul, Minnesota to take on Concordia this Friday. The Peacocks will then head home to round out the 2012 season against one of the best teams in the conference in the University of Minnesota, Mankato on Sunday, October 28th.