VCU breaks 10-game losing streak with win against Dragons

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Shattering a burdensome 10-game losing streak Sunday, VCU defeated Drexel University 4-3 in overtime.

The scores were balanced in each half, with VCU scoring 1-2 in the first half, then 2-1 in the second.

The long-awaited victory is owed to the combined efforts of the players on the field and to goalkeeper Brittany LoVullo (Williamsville, N.Y.) who saved a career-high 15 shots on goal.

In the first half, the Dragons gained a sudden 2-0 lead within 14 minutes of the game’s start, with goals from Karie Walton and Catherine Chiara.

In the middle of the 17th minute of play, Nikki Lloyd put VCU’s only point in the half on the board after penetrating the Dragon’s defenses and scoring an unassisted goal.

Seizing the field, Emily Guerra (Yorktown/Seton Hall HS) converted Rebecca Sullivan’s (Fredericksburg/Stafford HS) pass in the first two minutes of the second half to even the scores out to 2-2.

After 20 minutes of scoreless play, Lloyd took a penalty stroke on the Dragon’s goalie to set the scores at 3-2, in VCU’s favor.

Drexel’s Amanda Kicera tied the scores back up three minutes later to push the match into overtime.

As the game went into overtime, LoVullo saved the Rams from five shots on goal and three penalty corners.

The Rams had one opportunity to score in the overtime period and they took it – Jenna Harris (Aurora, Colo.) scored her penalty corner shot to put the Rams ahead 4-3.

This victory comes after a painful 0-10 defeat by Old Dominion University Friday, which counted the Rams’ 10th straight loss of the season. During that rainy game, LoVullo got her practice gathering 12 saves, which she would use Sunday against the Dragons.

VCU’s record is now 2-11 for the season and 1-4 in the CAA.