POTSDAM -- It took over 106 minutes, but the SUNY Potsdam women’s soccer team defeated SUNY Canton on a goal from junior Heather Johnson (Heuvelton, N.Y./Heuvelton) in the annual Boyd Jones Cup.

The Bears (4-13-2) have come away with the cup in back-to-back seasons, with this year’s coming in dramatic fashion.

The Bears started off the match with a good scoring opportunity. In the fifth minute, sophomore Ashley Thayer (Winthrop, N.Y./St. Lawrence) had a breakaway but her shot just missed wide.

The Kangaroos (5-14) also had a couple chances. Senior goalkeeper Dedra Palmer (Whitesboro, N.Y./Whitesboro) made a fingertip save on a shot by Bailey Allen (Dekalb Junction, N.Y./Hermon-Decalb) in the 21st minute.

Allen would have a better chance latter in the half as she gathered a deflection and shot it past Palmer but rolled a few inches wide of the net.

The neck-and-neck half would end with the Kangaroos ahead in shots 6-3, but the game was scoreless.

The Bears were the aggressors in the second half. They outshot Canton 11-1 and had multiple scoring chances.

Thayer again found herself alone after a Kangroos turnover, but missed wide on her attempt. Johnson and Stephanie Cox (Parishville, N.Y./Parishville-Hopkinton) each had scoring opportunities but were denied by Canton goalkeeper Holli-Jo Cota (Ogdensburg, N.Y./O.F.A.) sending the game into overtime.

The first overtime period saw Potsdam have two shots to Canton’s one. Neither team could find the back of the net, so a second overtime was needed.

The Bears would break the tie in the 107th minute as Johnson took a pass from senior Taylor Jordan (Canton, N.Y./Hugh C. Williams) and ended the season in grand fashion. First year Mark Misiak was excited about the outcome.

“What a great way to end the year,” said Misiak. “We have worked hard all season long and the kids deserved this win. They played their hearts out all season long and for over 100 minutes today and I’m excited for them.” The win allows the team to end the season on a high note and lay the foundation for success in 2012.

“There were a lot of positives to take out of this season. We lost some tough matches but I feel that the program is heading in the right direction. With the returners and players we have coming in, I look forward to next year with a lot of optimism,” said Misiak.

For the year, Potsdam was led by Johnson’s eight goals and 18 points. Senior Taylor Jordan led the team with 3 assists and Palmer accumulated 94 saves and two shutouts.