Field hockey evens the score

Field Hockey enjoyed a prosperous weekend, winning twice on the road to improve their record to 3-3 on the young season.

APP STATE                  

VCU carried the momentum from their first conference win into their match Sunday against Appalachian State University. The Rams won 5-1 over the Mountaineers.

The Black and Gold’s offense began scoring early in the first half. Junior midfielder Spencer Tossone scored for the Rams off of a corner attempt, putting the Rams up 1-0 a mere six minutes into the match.

The Rams did not look back and scored two more goals before the end of the first half. VCU’ offense outshot App State 15-11, with a 10-8 advantage in shots on goal.

Sophomore forward Emily McNamara led the Rams’ offensive effort, scoring two goals on the day. McNamara also led the Rams’ with five shots on goal on a team-high eight shots.

The Rams had eight corner opportunities, compared to App State’s five. Out of the eight corner opportunities, VCU capitalized on three.

The Black and Gold had a balanced attack in the matchup. VCU had shots on goal by five different players.

The Rams defense only allowed one goal in the match at the 48:38 mark during the second half. Junior goalkeeper Chessa Kownurko had four saves on the day, containing the App State attack for most of the matchup.

As a team, the Rams defense came away with seven saves, not allowing the Mountaineers’ offense to gain any confidence.

DAVIDSON                       

Field Hockey won their conference opener in a nail-biter against rival Davidson College on Aug. 16 by a score of 3-2.

Only six minutes into the first half, sophomore forward Lauren Kaup scored a goal from 10 yards out off an assist by junior forward Alexis Albright.

The quick offensive action continued as Davidson answered with a goal shortly after, tying the game at 1-1 only eight minutes into the first half.

The VCU offense answered when freshman midfielder Rebecca Ward scored at the 24 minute mark in the second half, taking a 2-1 lead. The Rams did

not look back, as this proved to be the turning point of the  matchup.

The Black and Gold offense had a strong performance, outshooting Davidson 14-10. The Rams had an 11-5 edge in shots on goal, putting a lot of pressure on the Wildcat’s defense.

VCU once again featured a balanced attack with five different players shooting during the contest. McNamara led the team with five shots.

Defensively, the Rams had a solid game as well. Kownurko came away with three saves, and VCU held Davidson scoreless in the second half up until the 70 minute mark.

The Rams will carry the momentum of two straight road victories into their next matchup against Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Friday, Sept. 23.

Rodney Robinson, Contributing Writer