VCU edges Davidson 2-1 in tight match
Rams took the field Sunday afternoon against Davidson, looking to rebound and gain its second win of the season.
The VCU field hockey team has averaged 18 goals per game and 10.4 shots so far this season.
Greg Wise
Staff Writer
Following a tough Friday night loss to the University of Richmond, the VCU field hockey team was faced with the daunting task of playing another game only a day later. Despite the heat, the Rams took the field Sunday afternoon against Davidson, looking to rebound and gain its second win of the season.
The game opened up with each side gaining chances equally but eventually, Davidson, led by senior Meg Jarrell, started finding its way through VCU’s midfield.
The Wildcats almost broke through midway through the first half when a shot deflected past goalkeeper Erin Jabonski but was staved off the line by defender Stephanie DeMasi.
From there, Davidson began applying more pressure, earning two quick short corners, but was still unable to capitalize because of the athletic and occasionally heroic goaltending of Jabonski. Both sides went into the half with a scoreless tie.
In the second half, VCU overcame the Davidson attack and began returning pressure and taking the game farther down to Davidson’s end. After countless missed opportunities to start the half, including a missed three-on-one chance, the Rams finally broke through behind a fast paced counter attack with 20 minutes left to play. The attack was led down the field by sophomore starter Kelsey Sherrer and ended with a Kayla Mueller cross to Emilie Soares who buried the ball in the back of the net for her second goal of the season.
Davidson responded rather quickly with a goal of its own two minutes later. The goal came off a rebound after the initial stop was made by Jabonski. While the score read 1-1 following the goal, it wouldn’t stay that way for long as VCU had an answer of its own a minute later. On their first short corner of the game, the Rams converted perfectly with a DeMasi pass, resulting in a 2-1 lead and giving Melanie Marotta her first goal of the season.
From there Davidson continued to press, causing some hectic scenes in front of the net, but VCU held strong for the remainder thanks to the solid play all game long from defender DeMasi. The win gave the field hockey team their second win of the season and their second win at home.
“We want to build on the positives,” head coach Kelly McQuade explained. “Obviously the win, but we also like getting a new player on the score sheet to show our depth.”
The team will try to continue its strong play on Thursday when the Rams take on the Longwood Lancers at 6 p.m. at Cary Street Field, hoping to put a third win in the books.
Photos by Amber-Lynn Taber
