ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Just call Emma Blumenstock the "Comeback Kid."

After missing the last three games with an injury, Blumenstock returned to the lineup for the Roberts Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team on Saturday and scored the winning goal with 29.8 seconds remaining in the third overtime as the Redhawks defeated Molloy University, 13-12 in an East Coast Conference showdown.

Blumenstock leaned her shoulder past a defender at the top of the eight-meter circle and the sophomore midfielder charged down the alley to score her second goal of the game and 28^th of the season.

"I had the clear out and I just took it," Blumenstock said. "Once I got around the corner, I knew that I could take it and it was just me and the goalie. I just tried to get it by her and end the game."

Blumenstock's goal set off a wild celebration by the Redhawks (10-5, 4-1), who handed the Lions their first conference loss of the season.

"She's a selfless player," Roberts coach Kristin Paolini said. "She put the team before herself and the fatigue of being in the third overtime, and I think that says a lot about her and the culture that we have in our program." 

Blumenstock finished with two goals and three assists. It was her second game-winner this season and the first OT tally of her life.

"I can't really explain it," she said. "It's kind of something that you dream about when you are younger."

The Redhawks fell behind 2-0 in the first 67 seconds of the game, but rallied to tie Molloy 3-3 at the end of the first quarter. The game was tied 7-7 at halftime and 8-8 at the end of three quarters.

Freshman Kadie Tierney scored three goals for Roberts, including a free position shot with 32.5 seconds remaining in regulation that tied the game at 12. Senior captain Alexis Grant, graduate student Tori Lammes and junior midfielder Sophia Podszebka all added two goals and one assist.

Sophomore Annie Mulhall added two goals and freshman Ella Dossier contributed two assists. Junior Madelyn Robinson led Roberts with five caused turnovers and five ground balls and Podszebka and freshman Emma Taylor each collected four draw controls.

Sophomore Shawna Lesmerises started in goal and made six saves in the first half. Graduate student and captain Natalie Arieno entered the game at the start of the third quarter and made 12 saves, including three in overtime.

"I was focused and felt like I could anticipate where the ball would go," Arieno said. "I'm glad I was able to step in and help the team."

"Shawna was huge for us in the first half and Natalie came up big in the second half," Paolini said. "I have full confidence in both of them."

Roberts looked like it would take a 7-6 lead into the half when Lammes converted an assist by Blumenstock from close range in front, but Molloy controlled the draw and scored with 10 seconds left before intermission. The Redhawks did not lead again until the last play of the game.

Molloy took a 10-8 advantage with 12:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, before Roberts pulled even on goals by Tierney and Blumenstock. The Lions also led 11-10 and 12-11, but goals by Podszebka and Tierney forced overtime.

The two sides each had opportunities in the extra session, but eventually Blumenstock made the game-deciding play.

"It was just a great team win," Arieno said. "I think this was a big growth moment for us."

"They played for each other out there today," Paolini said. "Each end worked together to fire each other up and it allowed us to walk away with the win." 

The Redhawks, who have won five straight games, wrap up the regular season against D'Youville on Senior Day at noon on April 29.