DURHAM, N.C. – The Old Dominion field hockey team took on its fourth ranked opponent this season in No. 7 Duke, but suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of a ranked foe. The Lady Monarchs dropped a 3-1 match to the Blue Devils at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Old Dominion, ranked 15th nationally entering the match, dropped to 5-2 on the season, while Duke moved to 5-3 overall.
“I am proud of our team’s work rate in the game,” said head coach Andrew Griffiths. “It wasn’t the cleanest game for us, as we had a couple of tough breaks and didn’t take our chances. We have to execute our penalty corners better and be more effective on our forward line to win that type of game. However, I am proud that we showed resilience and fought until the final whistle.”
Caitlin Walsh gave the Lady Monarchs the 1-0 lead over the Blue Devils just 3:57 into the contest after Alex Iqbal sent the ball into the circle and Walsh flicked it into the cage. The score marked the first for Walsh this season.
Duke tied the game when Heather Morris finished on a cross from Ashley Kristen 11:07 later. The Blue Devils took the lead just under five minutes later on Rose Tynan’s third goal on just her third shot of the season.
The Lady Monarchs opened the second period placing two shots on goal after recording two penalty corners, but both attempts were blocked by Duke defenders. Both defenses would hold strong over the next 24:45, allowing just a combined five shots.
The Blue Devils scored the only marker of the second period, adding the insurance goal with just 6:15 left on the clock to hold a 3-1 edge over the Lady Monarchs.
Old Dominion never gave up and picked up the activity on the offensive end in response to the 3-1 deficit. The Lady Monarchs were awarded two penalty corners in the waning seconds, but were unable to break through as one attempt was blocked and the other was saved by Duke defender Alyssa Chillano.
Duke held a slight 11-10 edge over the Lady Monarchs, while ODU held an 8-4 advantage in penalty corners.
Kealsie Robles suffered her first loss of the season in goal for ODU and finished tied her career-high with four saves. Lauren Blazing earned the win for Duke, making two saves in 70 minutes of action.
The Lady Monarchs return to the L.R. Hill Sports Complex on Friday, Sept. 25 when they host No. 13 Liberty for a 6:00 p.m. contest.
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