March 7, 2013
SAN DIEGO - Seventh-ranked San Diego State defeated the Brazilian Junior National Team in overtime, 10-9, Thursday afternoon at Aztec Aquaplex.
Brazil opened the exhibition with a Marina Zablith goal just 51 seconds into the game. SDSU, however, answered minutes later when Amber Pezzolla connected with Bailey Wickliffe to tie the score. Izabella Chiappini briefly gave Brazil a 2-1 lead only to have Taelor Moreno and Kelli Boling find the back of the net down the stretch to propel SDSU to a 3-2 lead. Unfortunately with under a minute to go in the first quarter, Mirella Coutinho rattled the cage and the match was all square at 3-3.
In the second quarter, only one goal was scored and it was credited to Madeline Schwartz. After halftime, the Aztecs continued to roll as they received goals from Pezzolla and Carina Carballo. Pezzolla's first of the afternoon came in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper and Carballo, meanwhile, was a recipient of a Boling pass, which led to San Diego State's sixth goal.
Ahead, 6-3, San Diego State was unable to muster enough offense in the fourth quarter to prevent overtime. Brazil scored four goals to take a one-goal lead and the Aztecs needed a Taylor Gums goal with 25 seconds left to force the extra session.
Despite losing its cushion, SDSU came out in OT and quickly put up two goals. Anique Hermann, on the opening possession, drew a penalty and Pezzolla cashed in on the opportunity. Later, Pezzolla scored once again and the Aztecs found themselves up, 9-7. Brazil would not go away easily as it ended the first three-minute period with a pair of goals, including one with four seconds left to knot the score at 9.
In the second frame, San Diego State shut down the Brazilians and received the game-winner from Claire McKinnon with 2:25 left to lift the Aztecs to victory.
SDSU returns to its regular-season schedule on Saturday when it faces No. T-15 Cal State Northridge in Northridge, Calif. The Big West game is set for a noon start.