VCU (0-0) at Old Dominion (0-0)
Game Info – Sunday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.
Location – L.R. Hill Sports Complex (Norfolk, Va.)
Stream – odusports.com (FREE)
Live Stats – CLICK HERE
NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion field hockey team begins its 47th season of competition on Sunday, Feb. 14, when it hosts VCU for an in-state clash at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex at 1 p.m. Sunday's match will be streamed for free at odusports.com. The contest was originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. before being rescheduled due to hazardous travel conditions in the Richmond, Virginia area.
ABOUT ODU
The Monarchs went 11-7 in 2019 with a 6-1 mark in the BIG EAST and reached the finals of the conference championships as the No. 2 seed. Along the way, ODU collected a trio of ranked victories, including a pair over fellow BIG EAST member Liberty. However, the Monarchs will rely on a much different cast this season following the departures of significant contributors like 2019 All-BIG EAST first teamers Rebecca Birch and Erin Huffman and the arrival of nine new players. League wide, confidence remains high in the team with ODU being picked to finish third and Riley Taylor and Marlee McClendon being named Preseason All-BIG EAST.
ABOUT VCU
The Rams posted an 8-9 record last season, going 4-4 in the Atlantic 10 and finishing fifth. VCU boasted one of the stingier defenses in the nation, allowing 1.39 goals per game. Goalkeeper Sasha Elliott was fourth nationally with a 1.00 goals against average. The Rams also return their leading scorer in Maite Sturm (seven goals) and her sister, Svea Sturm, who led the team with six assists.
THE SERIES
The teams are meeting for the 48th time on Saturday with ODU holding a commanding 43-3-1 record against the Rams. The two sides met during the 2019 season, a 2-0 win for the Monarchs in the state's capital. Taylor broke open a scoreless affair with a goal in the 48th minute before providing an insurance marker 10 minutes later.
WHAT'S NEXT
ODU's run of five home matches in a row continues next weekend, when it begins BIG EAST play with a pair of contests against Temple on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20. Friday's match is scheduled for an 11 a.m start. Saturday's match begins at 3 p.m.
COVID POLICIES
The L.R. Hill Sports Complex will welcome 250 fans on a first come, first served basis. The main gate opens 60 minutes prior to the start of the match. Spectator parking is available in Lot 43. Tailgaiting is not permitted.
Fans in attendance must comply with the following guidelines:
- Mask required for entry. No gaiters.
- Maintain social distancing while in the facility.
- No large gatherings inside the facility (10+).
- Please sit in the stands in the designated locations.
- Wash hands frequently.