University of Richmond
American
Spider Field Hockey Upends No. 11 American, 3-2
09/24/2006 | Field Hockey
Sept. 24, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Richmond field hockey squad jumped out to a 3-1 lead over No. 11 American in the first half Sunday in Washington, D.C., then used a great defensive effort to win, 3-2. For the Spiders, now 5-3 overall, it was their second win this season over a Top-20 opponent. The 11th-ranked Eagles fall to 7-3 on the year after having their seven-game win streak snapped by the Spiders.
Just over five minutes into the game, the Spiders earned a penalty corner, and quickly converted it to a goal. Freshman Adrian Pickar logged the goal, her second of the season, off an assist from senior Heather Wrublesky. The Eagles, not used to playing from behind, answered 10 minutes later, when Denise Infante sent a driving shot through the circle where Maggie Hall was for the deflection.
Two minutes later, Richmond scored on another penalty corner. This time junior Shannon Taylor took a shot which sailed to the left of the Eagle defenders and found its way to the back of the cage. The assists on Taylor's eighth goal of the season went to junior Tara Kelly and freshman Jess Weidner. Richmond expanded its lead to 3-1 when it was granted a penalty stroke in the 31st minute. Sophomore Alex Malatesta took full advantage of the opportunity to garner her first goal of the season.
Two minutes into the second half, Irene Schickhardt weaved in and out of several defenders, and sent a sharp pass to Kaitlin DeTroia. DeTroia beat her defender and drew the Spider's defense towards her, leaving Heidi Hershberger open in the center. DeTroia slotted a pass, and Hershberger drove it through the circle to bury the shot.
Spider goalkeeper sophomore Becca Weaver kept the Eagles from connecting the rest of the way to earn her fifth win of the season. Weaver made seven saves on the day, while American goalkeeper Allison Fayfich recorded eight.
Richmond gets back to action quickly this week when they host No. 7 Virginia, Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Crenshaw Field. Game time against the Cavaliers is slated for 4:30 p.m. Be sure to logon to Richmond's official athletics website -- RichmondSpiders.com for all the latest information on Spider field hockey.
