NORFOLK, Va. -- Fifth-ranked UConn's Anna Middendorf scored off a penalty corner with no time remaining on the clock to hand the No. 13 ODU field hockey team a heartbreaking 2-1 loss Friday evening at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. The Huskies improved to 6-0 (1-0 BIG EAST) while ODU dropped to 4-2 (0-1 BIG EAST).
"Despite the disappointing end result, I was very pleased with our effort tonight," head coach Andrew Griffiths said. "Our goal as a team is to win the fifty-fifty balls, and there wasn't one ball that we didn't go for in this game. Connecticut will leave here with a win, but I think we put it in their minds that we can play an even game with them. We are excited to get back on the field Sunday against a tough James Madison team."
UConn got on the board early, as Anna Middendorf found the back of the net off a penalty corner in the third minute to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Amanda Collins and Charlotte Veitner were given the assists.
The Huskies carried the 1-0 lead into the intermission and also maintained a 4-2 advantage in shots. Each team attempted one penalty corner in the first half.
After solid defensive play prevailed for much of the second half, ODU freshman Erin Huffman made the most of a pass from fellow freshman Marlee McClendon, scoring her fourth goal of the season and knotting the score at 1-1.
In the final 26 seconds of the game, UConn was awarded back-to-back penalty corners. Anna Middendorf connected off the second attempt after time expired to give the No. 5 Huskies the 2-1 victory. Collins and Veitner were awarded the assists.
For the game, UConn maintained an 8-4 advantage in shots and attempted four penalty corners to ODU's three.
Kealsie Robles played the full 70 minutes in goal for the Lady Monarchs, racking up three saves.
Next Up
The No. 13 ODU Lady Monarchs are back at home this Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. when they host James Madison at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.