NORFOLK, Va. – The No. 15 nationally ranked Old Dominion field hockey team (12-3, 5-1 BIG EAST) took down Temple (7-8, 3-3 BIG EAST) by a 2-0 score on Friday afternoon at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. The victory secures one of four spots in the upcoming BIG EAST Tournament for the Monarchs.
"This was a tough game, Temple is a tough team to play against, as they bring a lot of energy," said ODU assistant coach Peter Taylor. "I thought our ladies came out of the gates well, we put Temple under pressure and were able to handle our business. Our defense did amazing, especially on those five corners in a row, it is something we have worked hard on."
From the 22:57 mark to 23:52, the Owls attempted five total corners, as ODU's Cam MacGillivray made three saves during that span, helping keep Temple scoreless.
Moments later, Nicole Fredricks gave ODU a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute off an assist from Delphine Le Jeune. The goal was the third of the season for Fredricks.
Le Jeune extended the Monarchs lead to 2-0 after converting a penalty stroke in the 39th minute, which was the Ghent, Belgium native's sixth goal of the season, which is the second most on the squad.
For the match, Old Dominion held a 10-6 advantage for shots, while both teams attempted six corners. Cam MacGillivray was credited with five saves in the cage for ODU, as the Monarchs defense claimed their fourth shutout of the season.
"Clinching a spot in the BIG EAST Tournament means a great deal to our team, it was one of our goals from the start," Taylor continued. "We have a great group, we have worked and trained hard. Now it's about working hard for our next goals that we have set."
The Monarchs have won eight of their last nine matches, as well as 12 of their last 14. ODU is 7-1 this season when playing at home.
Old Dominion will close out the home portion of the regular season against William & Mary on Sunday, October 24 at 1 p.m. at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.
Sunday's game marks Senior Day for ODU's Marlee McClendon, Alice Demars, Meghan Smart, Jessica Gabriel and Ilse Westera, who will all be honored prior to the match starting at 12:40 p.m.
"Senior Day is always an emotional day, as it is sad to see them go, but they have all had great careers here," concluded Taylor. "It will be another tough game against William & Mary, so we need to get the job done."
No. 15 ODU Clinches Spot in BIG EAST Tournament After 2-0 Win Over Temple
