YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The IUPUI offense finally awakened from an early season slumber on Friday, scoring two first half goals and the game-winner in overtime for a 3-2 victory over Youngstown State at Stambaugh Stadium. Sophomore Leslie Walker tallied the game winner with only 86 seconds left in the first overtime period, while senior Sheri Levack and freshman MaryBeth McMillan both had a goal and an assist on the afternoon.
Walker got in behind the YSU defense thanks to a lofted pass from McMillan in the 99th minute. McMillan led the speedy Memphis-transfer, who caught YSU reserve goalkeeper Mariah Snyder off her back line, enabling her to roll the ball into the net for her second collegiate goal.
IUPUI, which had been blanked the first five matches this season, built a 2-0 first half on goals less than three minutes apart. McMillan struck first when Levack fed her with a pass, allowing her to beat YSU keeper Caitlin Bodzioney for her first career goal. Levack's assist, the 12th of her career, moved her into first place on IUPUI's all-time list in that category.
Moments later, Levack scored on a header off a pass from senior Angie Pilat in the 36th minute.
It was Levack's first goal since Oct. 17, 2004 as her previous five goals came in her freshman season. Meanwhile, it was Pilat's eighth career helper.
IUPUI head coach Chris Johnson attributed the offensive success to a new formation and fresh legs. Johnson altered the starting lineup, giving three freshmen the nod along the defensive back line.
"We went to a 4-4-2 today and Sheri and Angie did a lot of good stuff up top," Johnson said. "And to be honest, Kat (McCrory) played her best game of the season in the midfield. She made a lot of things happen in there today.
"Ultimately, we started the kids who played the hardest the last game. Maybe we continue to rotate lineups around and see if it works."
Johnson lauded the effort of freshman Natalie Holland on the back line. The 5-foot-3 defender found herself matched up with YSU's 5-foot-9 Taylor Pickens, but still managed to win balls for the Jags.
"She did a nice job today," Johnson said. "She and I sat down and talked after the Northern Iowa game and she really came out and played well at Indiana State. Today, she did a good job of challenging for balls and winning balls for us."
Johnson also got a strong effort from Lindsey Warfield in the midfield. Sophomore Jamie Farrell made four saves in recording her first win of the season.
YSU's Lauren Brennan scored two early second half goals against Farrell to eventually send the game to overtime.
The aggressive IUPUI (1-5-0) offense outshot the Penguins 21-8 overall and 12-6 on goal. The Jaguars held a decisive 12-3 shot advantage in the second half, including 3-0 edge in overtime. The win ran Johnson's record to 4-0-9 in overtime matches in his five seasons at IUPUI.
The Jaguars return to action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Eastern Michigan at 1:00 p.m. in Ypsilanti.
