NORFOLK, VA. - The Old Dominion field hockey team defeated the Wagner Seahawks 7-0 Friday evening. Sophomore Serena Langendoen recorded a hat trick to lead the Monarchs.
The Monarchs (2-3) were first on the board with a goal off a corner from Langendoen three minutes into the match, assisted by Madison Zalewski and Sian Emslie after a barrage of shots to put ODU on the board 1-0. Zalewski was then able to slot one in herself with an assist from Isabella Decesaris, ending the first quarter 2-0 for the Monarchs. Junior Cosima Perleth was able to find Josie Painter for an assist to give ODU a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
After the break Painter connected with Madison Zalewski off a penalty corner to score another, adding on another goal for the Monarchs to make it 4-0 five minutes into the third quarter. Off a penalty stroke, Langendoen added her second goal of the night for a 4-0 ODU lead.
Zalewski opened the fourth quarter with a penalty corner pass to Nicolette Saccomandi for the stop to connect with Langendoen for her third goal of the night and give ODU a 6-0 lead early in the final frame. A shot attempt by Seahawk Floortje Leunisse was denied by Monarch goalkeeper Suus Broers, was then followed by a wide-open pass from Emslie to Sanci Molkenboer for the final goal of the night.
“Today was meaningful on so many levels. Serena’s hat trick was a highlight, but what stood out most was the collective effort and commitment from the team. To share the field with Wagner’s staff, who are fellow ODU alumni and part of Coach Griffiths’ legacy, made the day even more special. We’ll enjoy this performance, but our focus quickly shifts to preparing for a tough Richmond side on Sunday” said Assistant Coaches Jason Klinkradt and Mimi Smith.
Old Dominion finished with 17 shots and 12 corners. Wagner recorded four shots and three penalty corners on the night. Broers recorded three saves in the shutout.
“This was a true team performance. Every player contributed — from the attackers pressing high, to the midfielders connecting play, to the back line and goalkeepers making sure Wagner had very few looks at our goal. It was a complete showing from start to finish, and it was especially meaningful to do it on Morgan’s Message Day, playing for a cause bigger than ourselves” added Head Coach Andrew Griffiths.
UP NEXT:
The Monarchs will continue their homestretch hosting Richmond on Monday, September 14 at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex at 1 p.m.