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NORFOLK, Va. - The No. 8 Old Dominion University field hockey team began their six-game homestand with a hard fought contest against Richmond on Friday evening at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. Redshirt sophomore Nicole Goff's third goal of the season in the 63rd minute was the difference in a 2-1 victory for the Lady Monarchs.
Defense dominated the majority of the first half but Old Dominion (7-3) was able top punch through in the 25th minute when senior forward Maartje van Rijswijk put in the rebound after junior co-captain Kati Nearhouse's initial shot that was saved.
Richmond (5-4) responded just two minutes later when Jackie Gyger carved through the ODU defense past a number of defenders and then past redshirt senior goalkeeper Marla Petriello for the equalizer in the 27th minute as the two teams went into the half tied.
ODU had a number of opportunities inside the circle in the second half but was unable to capitalize until under 10 minutes to go when in a crowd, Goff put in a pass from senior forward Kimberly Oakes for what proved to be the game-winner as Richmond goalkeeper Anna Zarkoski was unable to gather the loose ball.
The Lady Monarchs had the edge in shots, 11-6, and in penalty corners, 7-3. Petriello had two saves on her way to improving to 5-1 on the year while Zarkoski tallied four saves on the evening.
Old Dominion returns to action on Sunday when they host Delaware in their CAA home opener at 1 p.m. at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. Live stats will be available. Follow Old Dominion Field Hockey on Twitter at twitter.com/ODUFieldHockey and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ODUFH.