April 3, 2009
Box Score
Box Score in PDF Format
NEWARK, Del. - The Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (5-5, 1-0) defeated Old Dominion University (6-3, 0-1) on a last-second heartbreaking goal today, in a 9-8 final in the CAA season opener. Kelly Kimener led the way for ODU, with four goals and an assist, but her efforts were slighted as a high bouncer slipped past rookie goalkeeper Sarah Geary for the win with just two seconds remaining on the clock. Old Dominion returns to the field this Sunday, as they stay on the road to face Towson this Sunday at 1:00 pm.
Delaware held for the last shot with over four minutes remaining on the clock. Then, with just over 10 seconds remaining senior defenders Lindsey Belle and Erica Erb combined to pressure the ball-handler and got the ball loose, but it bounced Delaware's way, into Emily Schaknowski's stick. She made a quick pass to Stephanie Allen, who was able to bounce it past Geary for the win with just two seconds remaining.
Neither team managed more than a two-goal lead in the game as it was a battle from the start. For the third straight game, it was junior midfielder Saratu Dodo getting the Lady Monarchs on the board first, with a goal just 2:46 into the game. Senior midfielder Kelly Kimener would score on ODU's next possession after a foul just outside the 8-meter arc. She took a couple steps toward the cage, pump-faked and then shot a low-line drive into the back of the net.
The rest of the first half was back and forth, with the Fightin' Blue Hens taking the lead on a 6-3 run, capped by the go-ahead tally with 4:06 remaining from Ali Libertini. The goal gave Delaware at 6-5 advantage at the break.
Emily Schaknowski would carry the momentum into the second half, scoring just 3:27 into the half and giving the Blue Hens their biggest lead of the day. After the Blue Hens went up 8-6, Kimener would take over for ODU, causing a turnover and getting a ground ball on one end and scoring her fourth goal of the day to cut the lead back to one. She also assisted on the equalizer less than five minutes later to classmate Jessica Noone. The teams were tied at eight with 9:53 remaining.
The remainder of the game was controlled mostly by Delaware, with ODU getting just a few chances on the offensive end. The best opportunity came after a foul on freshman Sarah Wright. Wright found junior Jessica Capra a couple feet in front of the goal who laced a shot that ricocheted off the goalkeepers stick and the crossbar. The ensuing possession set up the gamewinning goal.
Kimener led the way offensively for ODU, and added two caused turnovers and two ground balls. Defensively, Belle and Brittany Washko caused two turnovers each and also scooped a pair of ground balls.
For Delaware, reserve Stephanie Allen led the way with two goals, three ground balls and a caused turnover. Schaknowski had two goals and two assists for four points.
ODU will now travel to Towson for the second CAA game of the season on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Towson takes on William & Mary later tonight in their first Colonial action.