Sept. 17 recap: How every VCU team did this week

Ethan York, Staff Writer

Men’s soccer at Clemson University

VCU pulled off an upset against No. 2 Clemson, winning the match 2-1 and spoiling Clemson’s perfect record. VCU second-year midfielder Mohammed Ibrahim showed out with two shots and one goal against Clemson. VCU’s defense stood as a wall against Clemson’s offense, protected by third-year goalie Trevor Maloney who grabbed three saves during the match.

Field hockey vs. Wake Forest University

VCU kept the game competitive up until halftime with a scoreless match before inevitably folding under Wake Forest’s pressure. While they lost 2-0, the Rams still put up a fight against the Deacons. Redshirt second-year goalkeeper Emma Clements had a career game, saving 14 of the 16 shots she faced, according to VCU Athletics. Her previous career high was 12 saves in a game.

Men’s soccer at University of Pennsylvania 

The Rams pulled off a quiet win against the University of Pennsylvania. VCU’s offense was clicking the whole match, shooting eight times with six of them being on target, according to VCU Athletics. The only goal of the game was scored early in the first half, from VCU second-year forward Deniss Hayes, the first of his career. 

Women’s soccer vs. the University of Virginia

The Rams took on the Cavaliers but were unfortunately no match for their game plan as they fell 3-0. VCU’s offense showed cracks against UVA’s defense, only getting off one shot the whole game in comparison to UVA’s 26 shots, according to VCU Athletics. VCU third-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz did her best to keep her team’s hopes alive, saving six of UVA’s nine on-target shots, but the Rams ultimately did not pull off the win.

Women’s volleyball vs. East Tennessee State University – Buccaneer Classic

VCU fell in its first match of the Buccaneer Classic against ETSU. ETSU lost the first set but quickly took control of the match, erasing VCU’s hopes 3-1. Despite the loss, some Rams showed impressive performances. VCU second-year outside hitter Lara Del Core finished the game with 20 kills, completing almost half of VCU’s total kills, according to VCU Athletics.

Women’s volleyball vs. Western Kentucky University – Buccaneer Classic

The Rams took another fall in the Buccaneer Classic when they went scoreless against the Hilltoppers, 3-0. VCU struggled on the offensive side of the ball, but outpaced WKU defensively, finishing with seven blocks compared to the Hilltoppers five. WKU ended up blowing past VCU, finishing with 49 kills as the Rams only managed to muster up 31, according to VCU Athletics.

Field hockey vs. Georgetown University

Georgetown University left the river city in defeat after VCU won 2-0. It was a back and forth contest, with VCU getting off six shots and Georgetown getting five. Fortunately, the Rams were able to put theirs in the net and keep the enemy grounded, with Clements getting three saves, according to VCU Athletics. VCU fourth-year forward Morena Macera also had a big game — she created multiple opportunities on offense, got off two shots and scored one of VCU’s goals.