NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion field hockey downed Villanova in a come-from-behind 4-3 overtime victory on Friday afternoon at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.
“Well that win comes down to grit and determination,” Head Coach Andrew Griffiths said. “To come back from 2-0 down, and find a way to win in overtime in an important conference game, it says a lot about the developing character of our team. We didn’t play our best game, especially in the first half. We were not connecting cleanly and made some defensive mistakes. But our team responded really well after halftime, and changed the momentum of the game in our favor.”
Villanova (7-5) controlled the first quarter, as Gemma Lysaght netted one in off a penalty corner under five minutes into play. The Wildcats scored once more off of a penalty stroke, which came from Adie Minnella. Old Dominion (8-3) was unable to respond, as Villanova took the early 2-0 lead.
Serena Langendoen put the Monarchs on the board after a goal from a penalty corner 10 minutes into the second quarter. ODU was awarded one more corner before the end of the half, but was unable to score, leaving the Monarchs trailing 2-1 at halftime.
ODU was awarded four corners to begin the third quarter, and while Villanova broke up that streak with its own corner, neither team was able to score. With just 26 seconds remaining, Sofia Marciano scored to even the game at two heading into the final quarter of regulation.
Lotte Haagmans took the lead for Old Dominion immediately after a chance from Villanova on a corner. However, the Wildcats scored on their next penalty corner, as Colleen Finnan converted with under seven minutes remaining. While Villanova would have one last corner, the team was unable to score, sending the game into overtime tied at three.
Haagmans secured Old Dominion’s victory with help from Marciano, under six minutes into overtime, awarding the Monarchs with a 4-3 win.
Both teams had 15 shots on the game, with ODU collecting eight corners to Villanova’s seven.
Haagmans led Old Dominion in goals with two, while Marciano and Langendoen had one each. Four Monarchs tied for a game-high one assist each, including Marciano, Isabella Decesaris, Nicolette Saccomandi, and Josie Painter. Haagmans also had a team-high six shots.
Goalkeeper Suus Broers, who returned to the field after missing time due to injury, collected four saves.
“Every game matters at this point in the season, and we will enjoy the win, and get ready for what comes up next!” Griffiths added.
UP NEXT
Old Dominion field hockey remains at home to host Queens (NC) on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 12 p.m. at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.