Senior Day shutdown: Rams get bombarded
VCU fourth-year attacker Mia George celebrates a goal with VCU third-year midfielder Kiley Kozak. Photo by Kieran Stevens.
Ethan York, Contributing Writer
VCU celebrated its five seniors after coming up short against the Saint Joseph University Hawks on April 19.
The players and their families showed their appreciation for the seniors. VCU second-year attacker Rachel Koeneke said the seniors mean so much to the team.
“They are my biggest role models and biggest inspirations. I came in given a great opportunity, even as a freshman, to come in and play and they just took me under their wing,” Koeneke said. “I would not have the confidence I have on the field right now if it wasn’t for them.”
VCU started the game off with a draw control possession from VCU fourth-year midfielder Mason Whitmore, according to StatBroadcast.
The Hawks suffered a foul on SJU fourth-year defender MaryRose Berry at the 13-minute mark.
VCU tried to capitalize on the Hawks error with a free position shot from Koeneke that ended up banging off the crossbar.
The Rams scored the first points of the game three minutes into the game from Whitmore, which was goal number 21 of the season for her, according to StatBroadcast.
The Rams celebrated another quick goal almost a minute after from VCU fourth-year attacker Molly Metz, off of a free position attempt.
With two minutes left in the first period, the Hawks managed to catch up to the Rams with two late goals, tying the game up 2-2.
A minute into the second period, the Rams went in swinging, with Koeneke managing to find the net. However, the Rams struggled offensively the rest of the second period, only managing to score once more with a minute left in the period.
The Rams also struggled defensively, letting the Hawks gain a daunting lead of 8-4, letting them score five goals in the period, according to StatBroadcast.
Beginning the second half, the Rams looked to make some roster changes and started VCU first-year Ava Carillo as goalie.
SJU ended up scoring again early in the third period, but VCU replied five minutes into the period with a goal from VCU third-year Kiley Kozak.
Kozak made her presence known assisting her teammate, fourth-year attacker Ashley Karn, according to StatBroadcast.
The Rams defense continued to struggle, as the Hawks found the net six more times in the third period, though the Rams wouldn’t quit. VCU second-year midfielder Sam Palmer got a fast goal 15 seconds into the fourth period, according to StatBroadcast.
Koeneke also made a big impact on the game, scoring a goal off a free-position shot six minutes into the fourth period.
Koeneke found her third goal of the game with less than a minute left in the match, according to StatBroadcast.
Saint Joseph’s ended the game with 29 shots on goal and 17 draw controls, with VCU having 16 shots on goal and 13 draw controls, according to StatBroadcast.
Despite their best attempts, the Rams weren’t able to stop the Hawks’ bombardments with the final score, 19-9.
VCU head coach Nicole Flores gave some encouraging words even after the tough loss.
“Next Saturday is a must-win game for us to get to the A-10 tournament. I think it provides a good fuel and a little bit of, ‘We’re an established team,’” Flores said.
The VCU Rams seek redemption as they travel to Rhode Island University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
