NORFOLK Va. - The Old Dominion Field Hockey team fell 3-2 in overtime in the season opener at home against VCU Friday night.
The Monarchs were quick to get first on the board with a goal from Sanci Molkenboer with under three minutes left in the first quarter.
Penalty corners were denied on each side of the turf as Ram goalkeeper Emma Clements recorded three saves for the second and third quarters. ODU goalkeeper Suus Broers also kept the Monarch goalpost defended in shot and penalty corners from VCU.
The Rams tied the score in the 4th quarter 47:07 with a goal from VCU’s Morena Macera tying it 1-1. Following another penalty corner opportunity Macera was able to find the back of the net taking the lead from the Monarchs 2-1 at 49:23. After multiple attempts by each side, the Monarchs were able to match the Rams 2-2 at the end of regulation with a penalty corner from Madison Zalewski pass to Molkenboer, sending the game into overtime.
The Rams were able to seal the game 3-2 with a hat trick from Macera, ending the match.
“It was one of those tough games. Once we found our feet, we played solidly and created plenty of opportunities. We moved the ball well at times, but we can play better, and I believe there is a lot of growth in front of us.
What cost us was that we didn’t convert our goalscoring chances. If we had executed our corners, or good field play chances, it would not have been a close game. So it’s a lesson for us – we need to put the ball in the net when we have opportunities.” Said ODU Head Coach Andrew Griffiths
The Monarchs will continue their opening weekend when they take on William & Mary at L.R. Hill Sports Complex at 1 p.m.