BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Abby Dempsey (Bangor, PA /Faith Christian ) scored 4 goals, including the game winner with 3 minutes remaining, to lead Northampton to a thrilling 5-4 victory over Ocean County College on Thurday afternoon at Spartan Field. 

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Spartans rallied behind 3 consecutive goals from Dempsey in the first 15 minutes of the second half and a tally from Laura Sarria (Easton, PA /Notre Dame - Green Pond ) to take a commanding 4-1 lead.  Injuries then began to take their toll on Northampton as Ocean battled back to tie the contest at 4-4, with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation, setting the stage for Dempsey's game winner. 

"It was an unbelievable game," remarked Head Coach Scott Cullen, "the swings in momentum were tremendous ... Ocean played a great first half, we came out in the second half on fire, and then Ocean rebounded and took it back at us to tie it up.  I credit our kids for not quitting and having the mental toughness to battle and earn this huge win for our program."

Cullen credited goalkeeper Melissa Schnappauf (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth), who made 8 saves, saying that she had,  "a stellar game with some huge saves."

Northampton improves to 4-3-1 overall, while Ocean falls to 2-4-1. 

The Spartans now have a week off before they host NJCAA Division I Sussex County Community College at 3:30pm on September 29th.