The weekly recap: Oct. 1

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor 

Men’s soccer vs. Marshall University

VCU scraped together a shorthanded 2-2 tie with No. 4 Marshall at home. VCU redshirt third-year midfielder Theo Drennan received a red card for serious foul play 24 minutes into the first half. VCU second-year forward Deniss Hayes made the game’s first goal a few minutes after. Marshall scored two within five minutes of each other to take the lead, but second-year midfielder Mohammed Ibrahim quickly tied the game back up with another goal. The game marked the first time all season that Marshall conceded two goals to a team outside of the top 12 nationally. VCU third-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney saved a career-high six shots, continuing his stellar season. 

Women’s soccer vs. Saint Louis University

The Rams lost a close 1-2 Atlantic 10 matchup to the Billikens at home. St. Louis opened up the scoring off a penalty kick 15 minutes in, and doubled its lead with another goal five minutes before halftime. VCU quickly responded off the foot of first-year forward Isabelle Franklin with less than two minutes to play in the first, but were unable to tie the game back up. VCU was thoroughly outshot by St. Louis 18-5, although it only allowed two shots on goal in the second half. 

Field hockey at Saint Louis University

VCU started its conference play with a 4-0 shutout win against St. Louis on the road. The Rams made their presence known in the opening minutes of the second quarter with a goal from second-year Ana Afonso Osorio. Third-year Mackenzie White doubled the lead six minutes later, scoring her third goal in the last two games. Fourth-year Morena Macera joined in on the fun and got her 10th goal of the season off a penalty corner. Afonso Osorio scored the final goal of the game at the 53-minute-mark, her second of the game, which set her new career-high. 

Women’s volleyball vs. Duquesne University game one

The Rams won 3-1 in their conference opener against the Dukes in a two-game home series. Fourth-year opposite Julia Rienks and second-year opposite and outside hitter Lara Del Core combined for 31 total kills. VCU and Duquesne traded the first two sets before the Rams ran away with the victory in the final two sets. Second-year middle blocker Letizia Galli played a large role in the win as she finished with 10 kills and seven blocks. The Rams outperformed the Dukes in kills 55-42, assists 53-42 and hitting percentage 29%-17%. 

Women’s volleyball vs. Duquesne University game two

The Rams lost a close 2-3 matchup against A-10 opponent Duquesne at home. VCU fourth-year outside hitter Alicja Jaryszek recorded a match-high 22 kills despite the loss. Rienks contributed 18 kills with eight digs and five blocks. Duquesne and VCU traded wins in the first four sets, but the Dukes ultimately secured the win in the tie-breaker round. 

Men’s soccer at Fordham University 

VCU crumbled to A-10 opponent Fordham in a 1-5 beatdown on the road. Fordham scored twice in the first half within five minutes of each other to take a quick 0-2 lead. Right out of halftime Fordham scored two more, all but ending VCU’s efforts for the night. Second-year midfielder Afonso Taborda scored his first career goal during the match. Fordham put the seal on the game with a fifth goal in the closing 10 minutes of the match. VCU was outshot 18-10 and 7-4 on shots on goal. 

Field hockey vs. Duke University 

VCU got shutout by No. 7 Duke 0-3 at home. The Rams showed some fight despite the loss, keeping the Blue Devils to only one goal by halftime and holding them to nine shots. VCU was unable to generate enough offense to match its defensive efforts however, making only two shots all game. Third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements saved two shots, and White sent one shot on goal for the Rams.  

Women’s soccer vs. Saint Joseph’s University 

The Rams won a physical 2-0 game against A-10 opponent St. Joseph’s. This is VCU’s second shutout of conference opponents in three games. Fourth-year midfielder Y-Van Nguyen opened up the scoring for VCU 37 minutes in with her first goal of the season. Fourth-year defender Jordyn Hall assisted the opening goal to tally her first career point. VCU’s Franklin soon doubled the lead in the second half. The Rams maintained control of the game through their offensive contributions with a season-high 19 shots and seven on goal. Third-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz achieved her third clean sheet of the season in the four-save performance.