Masten’s overtime goal lifts Towson field hockey past Rider, 1-0
The Towson Tigers field hockey team capped a perfect weekend in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon, defeating Rider 1-0 in overtime at the TU Field Hockey Complex. Bailey Masten scored the game-winning goal with 69:08 on the clock, ending a defensive battle in which Towson controlled possession and generated nearly all of the offensive pressure. The victory gave the Tigers back-to-back wins after opening the season with two losses and completed a 2-0 weekend at home.
Towson dominated the statistical battle from the opening whistle. The Tigers outshot Rider 29-2 for the game, including a 16-0 advantage in shots on goal, and earned 10 penalty corners compared with just two for the Broncs. Despite those numbers, Rider goalkeeper Jade Regnart repeatedly kept her team alive by making 15 saves and preventing Towson from breaking through during regulation.
The Tigers came out aggressively in the first quarter and fired 10 shots, six of which went on goal. Towson earned its first penalty corner late in the period, but Regnart stopped Delfina Larripa’s attempt and kept the game scoreless. The offensive pressure continued throughout the second quarter, when Towson added nine more shots and four penalty corners without finding the back of the cage.
Masten had one of Towson’s best opportunities before halftime after stealing the ball from a Rider defender and creating a one-on-one chance against Regnart. The Rider goalkeeper again made the save, sending the teams into halftime tied 0-0 despite Towson holding a commanding edge in possession and opportunities. Towson had 19 shots through the first 30 minutes, while Rider had yet to register one.
Towson continued pressing in the third quarter. Anouk Westerink had a shot stopped by Regnart following a penalty corner, and Else Wismans sent the rebound just wide. Rider’s defense bent throughout the afternoon but refused to break, allowing the Broncs to remain tied despite being heavily outshot.
Rider finally created its first real offensive chances late in the fourth quarter. The Broncs earned two penalty corners with roughly three minutes remaining and produced their only two shots of the game. Towson’s defense blocked both attempts, preserving the scoreless tie and sending the game into overtime.
The Tigers finally broke through with less than six minutes remaining in the extra period. Towson earned another penalty corner and Larripa inserted the ball to Westerink, whose initial shot was saved by Regnart. Westerink recovered the rebound and sent the ball back into the middle of the circle, where Masten knocked it past Regnart for the game-winning goal.
The goal was Masten’s first of the season, while Westerink earned her first assist and third point of the year. Riley Redding earned the victory in goal and recorded the first shutout of her collegiate career. Redding did not need to make an official save because Towson prevented Rider from putting either of its two shots on target.
Sunday’s performance marked Towson’s most aggressive offensive showing of the young season. The Tigers’ 29 shots and 10 penalty corners were both season highs, while their 10 first-quarter shots were the most they had generated in any quarter through the opening weeks. The victory also represented Towson’s first overtime win since a 2-1 victory over William & Mary on Sept. 27, 2024.
More importantly, the Tigers have completely changed the direction of their season in the span of one weekend. Towson opened 2026 with losses to Appalachian State and Davidson and failed to score in either contest. The Tigers responded by defeating Georgetown 3-1 Friday before grinding out Sunday’s overtime victory against Rider.
Towson now turns its attention to one of the toughest tests on its nonconference schedule. The Tigers will travel to College Park to face Maryland on Friday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. The matchup will give Towson an opportunity to measure its recent progress against one of the region’s premier field hockey programs.
MSB Take
Towson deserved this victory based on the sheer amount of pressure it created. Outshooting Rider 29-2 and producing 16 shots on goal should normally result in more than one goal, but the Tigers remained patient despite repeatedly being denied by an outstanding performance from Regnart. Finding a way to win anyway is an encouraging sign for a team that struggled offensively during the opening weekend.
Masten’s game-winner was also a fitting reward for how persistent Towson remained throughout the afternoon. The Tigers could have become frustrated after controlling the game for more than 60 minutes without scoring, but they continued attacking and finally converted one of their 10 penalty corners. Westerink’s effort to recover the rebound and create a second opportunity was just as important as the finish.
The biggest takeaway is the turnaround Towson has produced in only two games. After starting 0-2 without scoring a goal, the Tigers have now won two straight, scored four times and posted their first shutout of the season. Friday’s trip to Maryland will be a much greater challenge, but Towson enters that matchup with significantly more confidence than it had one week ago.
