Delaware drops field hockey to 1-1 in CAA

More than 60 fans filled the stands at Cary Street Field Sunday afternoon, as the Rams fell to Delaware 4-0.

While fan participation and fervor remains consistent this season, the Rams watched a steady six-game home winning streak slide out of sight.

Delaware, ranked No. 15 in the latest STX/NFHCA Division I Coaches’ Poll proved to be a demanding team with both defensive and offensive, scoring twice in each half and blocking all seven of the Rams attempted goals.

The Rams, despite changing their formation three times in order to keep the field covered, just couldn’t catch up.

Now 8-3 for the season, the Rams plan to figure out where their mistakes lie and how to secure a win in Friday’s game, when they travel to Pennsylvania to Colonial Athletic Association rival Drexel.

While she feels the team entered the field in full confidence, their efforts didn’t produce the best results.

“The team needs to be held accountable and responsible,” said Behrens about Sunday’s loss.

Describing their usual practices and game performances as “high tempo,” Behrens felt the team “stood, watched and reacted instead of performing.”

“A lot of people worked hard, but not together like it needed to be,” said senior Casey Smith.

With 11 minutes left in the game, freshman stunner Carlot Verloop put forth an aggressive effort as she slid for the ball before it went out of bounds, getting it to the goal but blocked by Delaware’s imposing defensive lineup.

“At times they stayed lower and out hustled us,” said Smith about Delaware’s performance.

Sophomore Ashley Cadwallader whipped up and down the field, hitting the ground several times, only to find her offensive goal attempts shot down.

Among other aspects of their performance, Behrens will make sure the Rams regain their ability to “demand the ball.”

Now 1-1 in league play, the Rams will continue training and preparing this week, as they look to future matches and humbly accept defeat.

Said Behrens, “Today wasn’t our best outing individually or collectively, thus the outcome.”