University of Richmond
Massachusetts(Atlantic 10 Finals)
Field Hockey Stopped By No. 18 UMass In A-10 Finals
11/08/2008 | Field Hockey
Nov. 8, 2008
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Richmond field hockey team appeared to be the aggressor from the start of Saturday's Atlantic 10 championship game, but it was No. 18 Massachusetts who converted two chances to win its second-straight conference title by a score of 2-0.
The Spiders had scoring chances in the first half when they kept most of the action in Massachusetts' end of the field. But in the game's 20th minute, the Minutewomen were awarded a penalty corner and after the first shot was saved by Richmond keeper Becca Weaver, the rebound was knocked in by Mary Shea.
The goal did not deflate the Spiders, who continued to pressure UMass into the second half. Then with just less than 23 minutes remaining, the Minutewomen were awarded a penalty corner and Cher King took a pass from Jacki Tait and found the back of the cage.
"We came out aggressive and we really controlled play," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "We possessed the ball and we had scoring chances, but we just weren't able to capitalize. That is the difference in games like this. UMass is a great team and they were well coached, but it was just inches that separated us. They were able to convert on the two corners and we came inches away from scoring a few goals."
The Spiders finish the season at 10-11, with eight of the 11 losses coming to ranked opponents. Richmond finished the year having won seven of the last nine games. Richmond is 53-5 against Atlantic 10 opponents since 2002 with four of those losses coming to Massachusetts.
Richmond senior goalkeeper Becca Weaver made five saves in goal for the Spiders. Fellow seniors Alex Malatesta and Sarah Schrott also played their final game in a Richmond uniform.
"Becca, Alex and Sarah gave everything to the Spider program," Lucido said. "We appreciate what they have contributed and we will miss them."
The 2009 Spiders will return nine of 11 starters, including current freshman Katelin Peterson, who tied for the Atlantic 10 lead in points (29) and was second in the conference in goals.
