NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion field hockey fell to No. 3 UConn, 3-0, on Friday afternoon at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.
“Well, it’s a disappointing outcome,” Head Coach Andrew Griffiths said. “Congratulations to a good Connecticut team that has plenty of talented players. The scoreline doesn’t actually reflect the way the game was played. We played some great hockey and controlled the flow of the game, possession, opportunities and tempo for three quarters of the game. The first half we created enough chances to be up two goals, but weren’t able to capitalize. In the third quarter, we played with a bit less energy and confidence, and gave up some chances and two goals. In the fourth, we were back to playing our game but we still couldn’t find a way to put the ball in.”
Both teams opened the first quarter with strong defenses, as UConn (13-1, 5-0 BIG EAST) earned a lone penalty corner, where the Huskies collected two shots on goal. Old Dominion (11-4, 2-3) was unable to create its own offensive opportunities, leaving the game scoreless through the first 15 minutes.
ODU took over the second quarter, with two corners and six shots without allowing any opportunities for UConn. Though the game remained scoreless as halftime rolled around.
Under three minutes into the third quarter, the Huskies got on the board first following a penalty corner, courtesy of Olivia McKenna. Six minutes later, Lucy Zich added onto UConn’s lead with her own goal, sending the Huskies into the final quarter up 2-0.
Another UConn goal came from a penalty corner to open the fourth quarter, this time coming from Lene Reiche. While ODU would collect two more corners before the end of the game, the Monarchs were unable to make up the goal differential, falling 3-0 to UConn.
ODU outshot UConn, 9-8, though the Huskies had seven shots on goal against the Monarch’s four. Old Dominion also had five corners to UConn’s three.
Serena Langendoen had a team-high five shots, including two on goal. Sofia Marciano followed behind with two shots and one on goal.
Goalkeeper Suus Broers had four saves in the game.
“Our press was excellent and we were able to force Connecticut to play very one dimensionally, just throwing overheads, and we took away their ability to build the play,” Griffiths added. “In the end, the game came down to corners. We had five and didn’t score any, and Connecticut scored two-of-three. So we will turn the page and move on to another good performance on Sunday for Senior day.”
UP NEXT
Old Dominion remains home to host Longwood on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m., where the team’s six seniors will be honored during a pregame ceremony.