Sept. 24 recap: How every VCU team did this week

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer 

Women’s soccer vs. University of Miami (FL)

VCU fell short to Miami 2-0, giving the Rams their fifth loss of the season. Miami brought the energy from the start, getting a goal in the fourth minute. The Rams kept their defense strong, holding the Hurricanes to one goal in the first half. Miami got its second goal right as the second half began. The Hurricanes outshot the Rams 15-4, with six on goal compared to only one for the Rams. VCU third-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz made four saves despite the loss, bringing her season total to 45. 

Field hockey at Towson University

VCU took home a 3-1 win against Towson with two fourth-period goals. VCU fourth-year Morena Macera got the first point off a penalty corner in the opening minutes. The Rams held their 1-0 lead until the Tigers tied the game 39 minutes in. Macera later broke the tie with her second goal of the game 50 minutes in. Fourth-year Josephine Jense secured the win soon after for the Rams with her first goal of the season. 

Women’s volleyball at Old Dominion University

VCU came out on top against ODU 3-1 in Norfolk. VCU fourth-year opposite Julia Rienks accumulated 22 kills, giving the momentum to a four-set win. Second-year opposite and outside hitter Lara Del Core recorded 18 kills to help secure the victory. The Rams finished with a 12-8 advantage in blocks while serving six aces. The Lady Monarchs fought back and took the third set, but the Rams stuck the landing and secured the win in the fourth. 

Women’s volleyball vs. North Carolina State University

The Rams were defeated by the Wolfpack in their home gym 3-1. Despite Rienks’ match-high of 17 kills, the Rams were unable to rally after losing the first two sets. A rough 25-6 loss in the second set gave N.C. State the momentum to take home the win. Second-year middle blocker Letizia Galli recorded five blocks, three solos and six kills. N.C. State served 10 aces while VCU only had one.  

Men’s soccer vs. University of Dayton 

VCU’s first Atlantic 10 conference game of the season ended in a 0-0 draw against Dayton. The Rams and Flyers both ended the game with ten shots each. VCU redshirt third-year forward Lucas White scored right before halftime, but the goal was called back after review. The tie was a hard-fought battle for possession, as Dayton ended the game with 11 fouls compared to VCU’s four. VCU third-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney had his second consecutive shutout, making it more than 220 minutes with no goals conceded. 

Field hockey vs. Ball State University

The Rams defeated the Cardinals 4-0 at Cary Street Field. VCU third-year Mackenzie White put the first goal on the board six minutes in. The Rams attacked hard off the bat, having five total shots and three corners in the first period. VCU made the score 2-0 off a penalty corner in the second period. VCU kept the ball most of the game, preventing Ball State’s attacks. The Rams scored two more goals in the third and fourth periods to secure the win. 

Women’s soccer at St. Bonaventure University

VCU came out on top 1-0 after an early goal 18 minutes in. VCU’s leading scorer, redshirt third-year forward Jensyn Lins, found the right corner of the net, to give the Rams their first and only goal. The Rams dominated possession in the first half and kept the attack on the Bonnies. St. Bonaventure brought the energy entering the second half, but VCU kept its back line strong. VCU accumulated 10 shots and held St. Bonaventure to zero in the dominant defensive showing.