RICHMOND, Va. - For the second straight game Old Dominion Field Hockey lost an overtime thriller, falling 2-1 at VCU on Sunday afternoon.
“Well that was a very poor game of hockey overall. The game became very vertical because of the surface so it was a game of bounces and deflections. Neither team could string passes together on the turf.” said ODU Head Coach Andrew Griffiths.
“However, we were not tough enough again mentally. We will need to make some changes in our personnel, roles, and also how we play and compete before our conference game on Friday.” Griffiths added.
The Monarchs began the contest quickly, securing seven first quarter corners but were unable to find the back of the cage. ODU generated five shots, one on goal in the first quarter.
“We had plenty of chances to score and could not execute, for the second game in a row.” said Griffiths.
VCU got on the board first with a Josephine Jense goal early in the second quarter, it was assisted by Camila Rosenbrock. The Rams held the Monarchs to one penalty corner and three shots in the second quarter.
Old Dominion responded in the second half by controlling the third quarter. Finding an equalizing goal from Serena Langendoen from a penalty corner that was assisted by Frederique Zandbergen. The score remained tied heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was back and forth, with VCU having four penalty corners and four shots. The Monarchs defense held strong in the quarter. Rina Tsioles had the only shot for ODU in the fourth but was unable to score. Leading both teams to overtime to decide the outcome.
In overtime, both teams had scoring opportunities but VCU was able to find the back of the cage through Morena Macera with 5:03 remaining in the second overtime period, securing the win for the Rams.
“It was a tough weekend where we let 2 games slip away from us. We will evaluate everything that happened this weekend, and be ready to perform against Providence next week.” said Griffiths.
ODU finished the game with 15 shots, six on goal, along with 11 penalty corners. VCU also had 15 shots, 10 on goal, with 11 penalty corners.
Suus Broers finished the game with eight saves. VCU’s Emma Clements finished the game with five saves.
ODU will be back in Norfolk to take on the Friars of Providence on October 4 at 1 p.m. at the LR Hill Sports Complex.