University of Richmond
No. 3 Wake Forest
No. 3 Wake Forest Holds Off Spiders
10/05/2008 | Field Hockey
Oct. 5, 2008
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Richmond field hockey team led No. 3 ranked Wake Forest 2-1 with eight minutes to go in the first half and trailed 4-3 with under seven minutes remaining, before falling 6-3 Sunday.
"The team came together today and made a step-up in consistent play," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "They have taken their beatings in practice and game play, but I remain confident in our preparation for A-10 play opening next weekend."
In its fourth-straight game against a ranked opponent, including a 2-1 win over No. 14 American last Friday, Richmond came back from a Wake Forest goal 1:12 into the match to take a 2-1 lead 23:26 in.
Junior Adrian Pickar scored her first goal of the season and the ninth of her career on a direct shot from eight yards out to tie the game in the 19th minute. Richmond took the lead on an unassisted goal by sophomore Dani Pycroft, who put a reverse stick shot high into the cage from 10 yards out.
"Dani Pycroft gave a taste of her ability to be an impact player with a brilliant goal to put us ahead 2-1," Lucido said.
Pycroft's second career-goal gave the Spiders a lead for about five minutes. Then the Demon Deacons (10-2) scored two quick goals in the final 7:42 of the first half to regain the lead. A goal by Hilary Moore in the 50th minute put Wake up 4-2, but the Spiders were not done.
Richmond had an answer on a penalty corner when Dani Pycroft to pull the Spiders within one.
Wake Forest converted two penalty corners in the last seven minutes to push the lead to 6-3.
"Alex Malatesta showed her ability to lead the team from any position, making big plays on defense against a highly skilled Deacon attack," Lucido said. "Jacki Raithel was poised and ready to anchor her defense for 70 minutes as she handled a barrage of shots from elite shooters."
Raithel made seven saves in net for Richmond.
The Spiders, who finished non-conference play against three ACC teams that were ranked nationally in the Top-10, will open Atlantic 10 play on Friday when they host Massachusetts at 2 p.m.
"Conference play couldn't come at a better time," Lucido said. "We are well weathered and ready to release some fury."
