Sports
VCU Sweeps Ohio Field Hockey Over the Weekend
By: Jerry Kirven
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It was a beautiful weekend at Pruitt field. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they were not able to shine; falling to the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 3-1 and 2-1 on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Ohio (1-5) came into their Saturday home-opener looking to end a three-game losing streak, while VCU (4-1) was looking to pick up a tough road win.
Virginia Commonwealth dominated the first half and had the Bobcats on their heels. Emily McNamara would make sure the Rams strike first, scoring on a penalty corner with 19 minutes left in the first half. The Bobcats had trouble responding due to the Rams daunting defense and would enter the half down 1-0.
Ohio came out ready to take back the momentum. More aggression and precise passing would produce a Kendall Ballad goal and a tied ball game with 21 minutes left. VCU would respond though, in the form of Spencer Tossone and Svea Strum; their two goals in the final seven minutes would ice the Bobcats chances of a comeback.
The Bobcats came into Sunday determined to prevent a sweep but VCU had other plans.
VCU would jump out first with a McNamara goal after the Ram’s third consecutive penalty corner. The Rams defense would again put the clamps on the Bobcats, allowing one shot the first half of the game.
Ohio would again have to play the comeback game and it seemed as if they cracked the VCU defense after a Ballard goal in the 38th minute. The momentum now belonged to the Bobcats.
Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, the Rams would snatch it right back with a thrilling goal by Colleen Rodgers in the 60th minute. That goal would be the nail in the coffin for OU; completing the sweep for VCU.
The Bobcats don’t have to hang their heads though, they battled a tough, much more experienced VCU and had impressive moments throughout. Junior Goalkeeper, Alex Pennington, recorded 5 saves over the weekend, putting her at 21 on the year.
It also seems the Bobcats have found a reliable scorer in Kendall Ballard who scored the ‘Cats only two goals over the weekend.
Falling to 1-5, the Bobcats look to bounce back against rival Miami (Ohio), Friday, September 15th, 3:00 at Pruitt Field.