PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A hat trick from Catherine Zimmerman was the difference maker on Sunday as the Providence Friars recorded a 3-2 overtime win against Butler. The Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead into halftime and was just minutes away from the win in regulation, but Zimmerman found the back of the net to tie the contest in the 87th minute leading to the victory.

"First and foremost, congratulations to Providence," Co-Head Coach Tari St. John said. It was a hard fought battle and they found a way to come out on top."

Zimmerman came up with an early strike from 10 yards out to open up the scoring on Sunday as the forward found the back of the net less than three minutes into competition. Butler settled the score in the 10th minute after a goal from McKenzie Muchow. The sophomore took a pass from Sophia Maccagnone and beat the keeper to the bottom right side of the goal to tie the match at 1-1.

Butler was in good shape for a majority of this game as Maccagnone added a goal in the 19th minute, giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 advantage. The goal came off a double assist from Stephanie Kaylor and Shannon McDevitt. The play started off a corner kick off the leg of Kaylor.

The lead would last deep into the second half, but Zimmerman would keep the Friars alive with her second goal of the match in the 87th minute of action. Zimmerman took advantage of a free kick outside of the box to score the unassisted goal.

With the score knotted at 2-2 at the end of regulation, Butler and Providence headed into extended time for the chance to improve their BIG EAST record. Zimmerman would ice the win for Providence with her third goal of the match and her eighth goal of the season off an assist from Allison Walton just two minutes into the overtime.

Butler put themselves in a good position to win the contest taking 15 shots compared just nine for the Friars. The 'Dawgs out-shot Providence 8-3 in the first half to take the lead, but Zimmerman was too much in the end as the hat trick led the Friars to their second conference win of the year.

"For us, it was another lost opportunity," St. John added. "It will be another test of character to see how we respond."

Corner kicks were even with Providence taking six compared to five from Butler. Kristyn Shea was credited with the win, making six saves compared to three from Mackenzie Hopkins.

The Bulldogs will return to action with a 7 p.m. match against nationally-ranked DePaul on Thursday, Oct. 16.