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Field Hockey Extends BIG EAST Streak with 7-0 Win over Villanova

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Bob Bradlee


NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion field hockey team (4-1, 4-0 BIG EAST) extended its winning streak in BIG EAST play to nine games with a convincing 7-0 win against Villanova (0-4, 0-4) at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. The Monarchs received goals from Marlon de Bruijne, Delphine Le Jeune and Riley Taylor.
 
ODU led 1-0 after the first 15 minutes despite not showcasing its usual sharpness. On the third penalty corner of the quarter, Jessica Gabriel and Marlee McClendon set up de Bruijne for a hard-hit strike that beat Wildcats goalkeeper Claire Borman. The Monarchs have scored first in each of their five games this season.
 
Invigorated by de Bruijne's first goal, Old Dominion surged in the second quarter to the tune of four goals and a 5-0 halftime lead.
 
"At the beginning of the game we played reasonably well, and then we got away from it," head coach Andrew Griffiths said. "We were just trying to do too much individually. I lit into them pretty good after the first quarter, and they did a great job in the second quarter. They moved the ball really well, they combined well, they worked off the ball for each other. We looked like a really good team in that quarter."
 
A familiar scene played out yet again for ODU's second goal of the game. De Bruijne unleashed another powerful shot off a penalty corner at the 17:15 mark. Riley Taylor and McClendon provided the assists.
 
Four-and-a-half minutes later, de Bruijne completed her second hat trick in as many days with a wonderful solo effort, beating Borman with a backhander from a tight angle that buried into the top of the VU goal. She tacked on one more goal in the 28th minute, when she finished off an incisive pass from Taylor.


 
De Bruijne scored seven goals in two games against Villanova. The reigning BIG EAST Freshman of the Week leads the Monarchs with nine tallies this season.
 
ODU got a fifth goal on the doorstep of halftime. The Wildcats committed an infraction while trying to clear Jolene Ulichney's shot attempt from the goal line. The Monarchs were awarded a penalty stroke, and Le Jeune converted from seven yards out for her first collegiate goal.
 
Following a quiet third period, the Monarchs struck for two more goals in the fourth quarter. Taylor scored her second goal of the series when Ulichney deflected a pass to her at the back post.
 
A Preseason All-BIG EAST selection, Taylor racked up two goals and four assists in two games against Villanova. For the season, the native of Virginia Beach, Virginia has four goals (one off her career high), six assists and 14 points.

Villanova nearly scored in the 55th minute, but the Wildcats were thwarted by a Nicole Fredricks stop on the goal line.
 
Le Jeune closed out the Monarchs' account in the 59th minute with her second goal of the game, a direct strike from a penalty corner with assists coming from Taylor and Alice Demars.
 
McClendon handed out two assists on Saturday for her second multi-assist game of the season.
 
Cam MacGillivray started the game in goal and played three quarters, making two saves. Fiona Minter played the final 15 minutes in goal and also made two saves.
 
"For a young team that's growing, I think we are figuring some things out fast, which is exciting. Early in the season, but a really positive day for us. We will rest up, enjoy this and start preparing for a big weekend next weekend."
 
The Monarchs now turn their attention to a crucial road series at Liberty on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7. The Flames were picked to finish second in the BIG EAST, just ahead of ODU.