CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – #18 Old Dominion field hockey fell to #2 Princeton, 4-0, in its first loss of the 2026 season on Friday afternoon at Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“Well I’m not happy with the scoreline, but I am very pleased with how hard we played,” head coach Andrew Griffiths said. “Princeton is an extremely talented team individually, and took some good opportunities, including in the first minute. Our team didn’t hang our heads - they kept going with high energy and kept playing on the front foot throughout all four quarters. We maintained our composure and kept playing through some physical play. Princeton received three cards for stick tackles from behind, including two yellow cards, one upgraded to 10 minutes. We can do better and take advantage of those opportunities.”
The Tigers (1-0) got rolling fast, with junior Anna Faulstich finding the goal off a penaltycorner 38 seconds into the game. The Monarchs (2-1) defended well for the remaining quarter, holding off Princeton on two more corners to end the first quarter down just 1-0. ODU’s best scoring chance of the first quarter came at the 5:54 mark, Sofia Marchiano rifled an attempt towards goal but Princeton’s goalie Olivia Caponiti was strong enough to make the save.
The second quarter opened and ODU held strong for 10 minutes on defense, but Faulstich grabbed an assist after Hope Delaney scored with five minutes remaining in the half. Delaney then put the Tigers up, 3-0 three minutes later after another goal. Princeton only collected one corner before the first half ended, with ODU down 3-0 as they went into the locker room. The Monarchs did not register a shot in the second quarter.
Molly Nye extended Princeton’s lead with five minutes remaining in the quarter. ODU collected its first two corners of the game before the third quarter ended but could not capitalize on the opportunities.
The fourth quarter remained quiet on both sides. Until the Monarchs gained a man-up advantage following a second yellow card to the Tiger's Pru Lindsey with a little over five minutes remaining. Old Dominion was unable to create an opportunity, falling 4-0 on the road.
Princeton outshot ODU 18-6 with nine shots on goal against Old Dominion's one. The Tigers also collected seven corners, while the Monarchs had three.
Goalkeeper Suus Broers had five saves, while Serena Langendoen led ODU in shots with four. Isabella Decesaris and Sofia Marciano tied with one shot each, though Marciano had the lone shot on goal.
“Our high press was effective from start to finish, and our defensive play overall was okay,” Griffiths added. “Probably the main area to work on will be keeping possession as we look to play forward and attack. We worked hard to win the ball, but often gave it back to the opponent, creating more work for ourselves. So in the end we hold our heads high and look at the video, and prepare for another good game on Sunday.”
UP NEXT
ODU remains in Chapel Hill to take on Penn on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m.