PHILADELPHIA - The University of Pennsylvania field hockey team opened its 2018 season with a 1-0 win over No. 14 Wake Forest with 4:33 left in double overtime. Penn's goal came after Alexa Schneck's backhanded shot was tipped in by senior Rachel Mirkin. 
 

The first half saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with Wake Forest registering the only shot on goal early in the game after Julie Grashoff's shot sailed over the goal.
 

Following a brief downpour during halftime, both teams started to create goal-scoring opportunities. Just a minute into the second half, Wake Forest had two shots on goal through Alexa Grippo and Megan Anderson, but Ava Rosati stopped both to keep the game scoreless.
 

The Quakers' offense began to click midway through the second half with senior Kelsey Mendell's shot on goal blocked by a Wake Forest defender. Freshman Julia Russo had a shot on goal saved shortly after. With both teams unable to find a breakthrough, they headed to overtime.
 

Wake Forest dominated possession during the first overtime period, but the Penn defensive unit continued to mount pressure on the Demon Deacons. Wake earned a penalty corner three minutes into the period, but Reese Vogel was able to get in front of Anne van Hoof's shot. 
 

Later in the period, Wake's Grashoff saw her shot go wide of goal leaving both teams scoreless and headed to a second overtime period.
 

Both teams entered double overtime eager to score the game-winning goal. Wake Forest earned a penalty corner early in the period, but Grashoff's third shot of the game went wide of goal.
 

The Quakers continued to stifle the Wake attack with an astute defensive line and found the breakthrough after a nicely executed counter attack.
 

Mirkin picked up a loose pass by Wake Forest in the middle of the field. She then passed to freshman Maddy Fagan in space. Fagan cut it across the circle and got the ball to Schneck, who spun around the defender and knocked a backhanded pass to Mirkin, who tipped it home.
 

Today's win against the Demon Deacons showcased the ultimate team performance, with every player putting in a strong shift.
 

"There honestly could not be a better way to start the season. This was a team victory. Every single one of us worked hard and contributed to the win," said Schneck after the game, "This win sets the tone for the rest of our season, and I cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish as a team."
 

Penn Athletics cought up with Coach Colleen Fink after the game, who reiterated the points Schneck made regarding the total team performance. 
 

"The team worked together from start to finish, and set up one another to be successful. We remained resilient and focused on the present moment and not the score. Our defense showed up in big moments and our offense put great pressure on Wake. We are very proud and our standards moving forward are very high."
 

Penn now looks forward to its next game, when the Quakers play No. 2 North Carolina on Sunday. The games against Wake Forest and North Carolina are part of the inaugural Conference Crossover between The Ivy League and the ACC.
 

#2 North Carolina 1, #10 Princeton 0

Penn 1, #14 Wake Forest 0
 

#10 Princeton vs. #14 Wake Forest

  11 a.m. | Ellen Vagelos Field | Live Stats

Penn vs. #2 North Carolina

  1:30 p.m. | Ellen Vagelos Field | Live Stats | Watch