University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
#4 Princeton
No. 6 Princeton Pulls Away From Spiders
09/13/2009 | Field Hockey
Sept. 13, 2009
PRINCETON, N.J. - Christine Bortz scored two goals, including the game-winner as No. 6 ranked Princeton defeated the Richmond field hockey team 4-1 Sunday.
Bortz put Princeton on the scoreboard 12:39 into the game, but Richmond's Dani Pycroft scored her second goal of the season less than a minute later. Bortz needed just three minutes to strike again and give the Tigers the lead for good.
Richmond stayed within one goal until early in the second half, when Princeton's Kaitlyn Perrelle made it 3-1. Kathleen Sharkey scored her fourth goal of the season in the 43rd minute to finish the scoring.
"The Spiders came together today and executed a new game plan against an elite Princeton program," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "We had some great momentum coming into the second half, but had a span of eight minutes that Princeton capitalized on in our attacking circle."
Princeton, which improved to 4-0 on the season, has wins over then No. 3 ranked Syracuse and then No. 18 ranked Ohio State.
"To beat Princeton you need to virtually play a flawless game in your defensive end," Lucido said. "Dani Pycroft lifted the team with a beautiful goal minutes after Princeton's first goal. Jess Widener, Tori Witcher, Catherine Ostoich and Michelle Weaver made their presence known against one of the most talented attacking units in the country. Our forwards pressured Princeton's defense continuously with tireless defense and counterattacking play. The Spiders are inches away from a huge win."
Spider senior goalkeeper Jacki Raithel made 11 saves in goal.
Richmond returns home to host Monmouth on Saturday at noon and Miami (OH) on Sunday at noon. The Spiders play eight of their next nine games at home and all nine in the state of Virginia.
