Intense August heat and the Old Dominion University Monarchs got the best of AU’s Field Hockey team early Sunday afternoon, causing the Eagles to fall 2-1 for their first season loss.
The No. 16 Monarchs out played No. 15 AU in the first half and generated two goals that proved enough to pick up the win. AU rallied in the second half, returning to the field with new aggression and determination, but was unable to capitalize on a number of occasions.
The first 35 minutes of play kicked off with balanced ball possession and collapsing defense from both teams. Led by senior forward Christine Fingerhuth, the Eagles offense crossed the ball in front of the ODU cage repeatedly without contact from a teammate. On the other end of the field, AU goalie Hannah Weitzman and the defense knocked down back-to-back ODU penalty corners six minutes into the match
Four minutes later, ODU was on the boards after a penalty stroke resulted in a goal. The momentum boost led to a second goal by the Monarchs off a drive and dish, strengthening its lead to 2-0.
AU players dug their heels into the turf and responded with two solid shots on goal, the second of which was saved by an ODU defender. The team hammered off three penalty corners before the end of the first 35 minutes of play, but could not land the ball in the back of the cage.
AU controlled possession from one end of the field to the other. The team held the Monarchs to just two penalty corners in the second half, and allowed no shots on goal.
The Eagles exhausted their opponent’s defensive, continuously charging into the circle and picking up good looks on goal.
The team’s perseverance paid off in the 62nd minute of play when AU was finally able to score as junior forward Melissa Casale scored a goal off a pass from Fingerhuth.
“We had a lot of momentum in the second half and I think as a team we were thinking about getting results,” Casale said. “I was just pounding the circle, getting in scoring position and Christine has a great cross and I was just on the post, so I was ready to tap it in.”
With less than six minutes to play, AU desperately searched for the tying goal, drawing fouls and smashing long hits down the field. It was not enough in the end, as ODU successfully stalled play until the final seconds ticked off the clock.
The Eagles have a week until they travel to James Mason University, where they will face No. 3 LSU.
kgreubel@theeagleonline.com
