University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
No. 5 Virginia
Spiders Edged By No. 5 Virginia In Shootout
09/12/2013 | Field Hockey
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Richmond field hockey team fell to the No. 5-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, 2-1, in a shootout Wednesday night at Turf Field. Senior Anna Zarkoski was close to perfection in goal as she recorded a career-high 17 saves for the Spiders.
Virginia (5-0) out shot Richmond (0-4), 28-21, and took the 15-10 corner advantage. Sophomore Amy Cooke led the Spiders with five shots and three on goal, while junior Rebecca Barry recorded the goal.
"I speak to the team often about the power of likeminded individuals," commented head coach Gina Lucido. "This Spider team showed they are capable of greatness. Our senior leadership was outstanding tonight and led the team powerfully. There was nothing left to be proven on the field, truly a moment that surged us forward regardless of outcome."
The Cavaliers got on the board first in the 24th minute, but the Spiders quickly responded a minute later as Barry dribbled around the top of the circle and fired a shot from the left side to tie the score at one.
The momentum mostly belonged to the Cavaliers in the second half, but Zarkoski was solid throughout the 35 minutes as she stopped 10 Cavalier shots to keep the score tied at one and force the first overtime.
Richmond outshot the Cavaliers 5-4, while Virginia took five corners in the first extra period. The final corner came right before the clock trickled down to zero and Zarkoski was there to prevent the score.
The Spiders battled to the end as they limited Virginia to just three shots in the final 15 minutes of the game to force the shoot out. Barry notched the goal on her first attempt but Virginia tallied the final two.
"Every member of our squad combined in belief, passion and competitive play," added Lucido. "These days go beyond the playing field. I'm beaming at their unity and character. Their fortitude will reap a reward. We remain stronger than ever."
The Spiders will be back in action as they return home this weekend to Crenshaw Field. Richmond will host Davidson at 12 p.m. Saturday before welcoming James Madison to campus Sunday at 1 p.m.
