Chapel Hill, N.C. - The Old Dominion Field Hockey team fell 3-1 at #1 North Carolina on Sunday afternoon. The loss brings the Monarchs to a 9-5 overall record this season.
“I am disappointed with the result, we were tied after three quarters and had a real opportunity to win this game,” said ODU Head Coach Andrew Griffiths.
The Tar Heels got on the board first, scoring three minutes into the contest from Charly Bruder off an assist from Sanne Hak. Old Dominion leveled the score before halftime through Tess Jedeloo, assisted by Emily Tamarro. North Carolina was able to score twice in the fourth quarter, with Ryleigh Heck scoring from an unassisted chance and Bruder finding her second goal of the game with less than eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to seal the 3-1 victory for UNC.
“Unfortunately, we just made a couple of mistakes in the fourth quarter. They were the difference in the game. But we kept playing hard and together right until the final whistle,” said Griffiths
The Monarchs offense generated four shots, three shots on goal, and two penalty corners. North Carolina finished the game with 21 shots, 11 shots on goal, and six penalty corners.
“The statistics are a bit misleading. The effort level from ODU was top notch. Our players worked incredibly hard and disciplined in our game plan. I’m so proud of our whole team. After we tied it up, UNC were not able to create clear chances. In the third quarter we played with great intensity and we were visibly frustrating them and they didn’t have an answer,” added Griffiths.
Suus Broers played the entire game in goal for ODU, recording eight saves. UNC’s Abigail Taylor played the entire game in goal, recording two saves.
“Overall, I’m just proud of our young women - they represented ODU with pride. We played really tough and well against the top team in the country. And we had a shot to win it in the fourth quarter. Can’t ask for more than that kind of effort.” said Griffiths.
ODU will next be in action on Friday, October 25, when they take on Quinnipiac in Hamden, CT at 1 p.m. in BIG EAST Conference play.