Zach Joachim,
Field hockey went 1-2 in its last home-stand of the season.
Facing the third-ranked TarHeels was a daunting task for the 4-9 Rams, and one that head coach Laura Baker and her girls couldn’t overcome.
“We have to clean up some mental errors, but I’m proud of the way our team fought against one of the best teams in the country,” Baker said.
UNC claimed an early lead in the 11th minute, then scored one more before halftime to take a 2-0 margin into the break.
Leading scorer freshman Emily McNamara and twin sophomore forwards Jamee and Alexis Albright worked quickly passing down the sidelines to open the second half, but the UNC backline proved too stout.
The TarHeels added three more goals before J. Albright finally got VCU on the board in the 54th minute for her fifth goal of the season. She now trails McNamara by just one goal for the team lead.
Later in the week, the Rams rebounded against another out of conference foe, Longwood University.
Both sides battled for possession at the start of the half, each gaining multiple chances in the circle.
VCU took a 1-0 advantage in the 34th minute when the team leader in assists, Taleah Scott, found the team leader in goals Emily McNamara off a corner opportunity. They would take the slim lead into the half.
The Rams would double the lead right out of the gates in the second half when Albright finished a rebound from a blocked shot by junior Mackenzie Bowler. The insurance goal was not needed however, as goalie Kendall Clifton made five saves en route to her third career shutout.
Baker again praised her team after the match.
“First and foremost, I’m really happy that we got the win for our seniors. It was a great way to recognize all of the hard work that they put in over the last four years,” Baker said. “We played a good 70 minutes of hockey and stuck to our gameplan.”
The Rams will close their 2015 out-of-conference schedule this upcoming week at the College of William and Mary on Oct. 25, before heading back up interstate 64 for a date with the University of Richmond on Oct. 28. Their season will come to an end Sunday Nov. 1, at Lock Haven University.
Thank you for your helping hand.