NORFOLK, Va. -- In a rain-soaked Big East battle at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex, the Old Dominion field hockey team pulled out a thrilling 3-2 victory over Quinnipiac on Friday evening.
Old Dominion (6-7, 3-2 Big East) scored the first three goals of the game, including two in the opening 20 minutes, to secure a 3-0 lead with under 20 to play. Quinnipiac (4-11, 2-3 Big East) answered with two goals midway through the second half, but the ODU defense held strong for the final 15 minutes to secure the win.
ODU is now 6-1 at home this season.
"As is our habit, we started great," said head coach Andrew Griffiths. "I thought we really controlled the play in the first half. We were playing great and moving the ball really well."
Three different players scored goals for ODU, including true freshmen Alexis Gingerich and Anouck Vandersteen, who both scored their first career goals.
Gingerich's goal in the fifth minute, off of an assist from Carrie Sensenig, provided the Monarchs with the early lead. Vandersteen then found the back of the goal in the 19th minute to give the Monarchs a 2-0 lead at the half.
In the second half, Erin Huffman, the team's leading scorer, scored the third and final goal for what proved to be the game-winner in the 43rd minute. Danielle Grega notched the assist on Huffman's goal.
The Bobcats then mounted a late comeback attempt with goals in the 51st and 54th minutes, as the skies opened up and heavy rain fell for the majority of the second half.
"The second half was a bit of a different story for us," said Griffiths. "The weather was tough and they picked up the energy a little bit after our third goal. A couple of lucky bounces, maybe."
However, ODU freshman goalkeeper Lacey Frazier, who finished with six saves, and the ODU backline fended off any last-minute scoring opportunity for the Bobcats, as the Monarchs held on for the win.
Overall, ODU outshot Quinnipiac, 13-10, and also held an 8-5 advantage in penalty corners.
"They came back and made a game of it," said Griffiths. "But, I thought we showed great toughness and really had the upper hand on them."
Up next, the Monarchs have a quick turnaround with a non-conference showdown against No. 18 William & Mary on Sunday at noon at L.R. Hill.
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