WOMEN’S SOCCER: Rams upend Spiders in exhibition

Physical, intense defense and stellar
play by senior goaltender Kali Van
Covern (Waynesboro/Waynesboro)
led the VCU women’s soccer team past
their cross-town rival, the University
of Richmond, 1-0 Wednesday evening
at Sports Backers Stadium.

The Rams picked up their second
victory of their 2008 spring exhibition
season with an overall record of 2-1.

VCU’s offense dominated early
in the first half and controlled the
pace of play by keeping the ball in
Richmond territory. The Richmond
defense held strong until a shot by
sophomore midfielder Laurel Pastor
(Springfield/West Springfield) was
deflected by a Richmond defender
and found its way past Richmond
goaltender Kate Hudson and into the
net for the Rams’ 1-0 advantage.

After the intermission, the pace of
play changed as the Spiders were able
to get their offense together to spend
most of the rest of the game in VCU
territory.

However, Van Covern turned away
any Richmond attempts and saved
the day for the Rams with her two
diving saves.

One obstacle the Rams have dealt
with during this spring season is playing
with a short roster, as they were
hit with the injury bug.

“Results of these games really don’t
matter,” said co-head coach Tim
Sahaydak. “We have had some injuries,
so we are just trying to compete and
use these games as an indicator to see
if we are getting better, sharper and
fitter in games.”

Overall, Sahaydak was very pleased
with his team’s efforts.

“Very gutsy play tonight. Unfortunately,
with the small roster, the
games had been difficult,” Sahaydak
said. “I’m very proud of the girls for
going the distance tonight against a
team that had six extra players they
could sub in to our one.”