Drew Clements, Staff Writer
After 75 minutes of scoreless field hockey, VCU lost to St. Joseph’s University in penalties Friday at Cary St. Field, dropping their record to 8-8 on the season.
Throughout the first quarter, both teams exchanged shot attempts, although each side struggled to create open opportunities. Third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements set the tone for the game, fighting off early pressure from St. Joe’s.
Clements’ performance for the Rams stood out, making several diving blocks and kick-saves throughout the game to keep the score knotted. VCU head coach Stacey Bean applauded the performance in goal.
“I thought our penalty corner defense was outstanding today, led by Emma in goal there,” Bean said. “But we’ve gotta find a way to put a little bit of pressure on the opponent and earn a corner ourselves.”
The game was even throughout the first half and into the second, even after VCU second-year Emily Foerster was forced out for 10 minutes with a yellow card. After four quarters with no goals, the game went into overtime. St. Joe’s was aggressive and earned multiple penalty corners, but neither team managed to break the tie.
Third-year Cameron Butler said the Rams stayed resilient and powered through the game.
“There were some rough plays, we had someone out with a card for a while, we just played through it all, every last second, all the way through shootouts,” Butler said.
After the final overtime whistle, the crowd gathered on one end of the field for the penalty shootout, and St. Joe’s scored their opening opportunity. VCU’s first shot was blocked, and St. Joe’s answered with a second goal. VCU failed to convert their second opportunity, and after St. Joe’s scored their third, VCU was blocked once again, securing St. Joe’s the victory.
Bean highlighted the defensive effort put forth by the Rams.
“They’re a very good team, and we just kinda played ‘bend but don’t break’ defense,” Bean said. “We really stuck together as a team and took our defensive responsibilities to heart.”
The Rams will play their final regular season matchup on Friday, Oct. 30 at Richmond.