Spider Hockey Shuts Out Defending A-10 Champs UMass

Friday, September 26

Crenshaw Field (Richmond, Va.)

4:00 PM

University of Richmond

(5-4,2-0)

Massachusetts

(2-7,0-1)

Massachusetts

Richmond

09/26/2014 | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: Richmond Athletics

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Sophomore Emma Johansson notched the game-winning goal in the 56^th minute to help lift the Richmond field hockey team over defending A-10 Champions Massachusetts, 1-0, Friday afternoon at Crenshaw Field.

With the win, the Spiders improve to 5-4 and remain undefeated in the conference with two wins, while the Minutewomen fell to 2-7 on the year and 0-1 in the A-10.

“The win is huge for us,” commented Johansson. “It is always a great game when we play UMass and it is always a huge rivalry between them. It is something we look forward to and it is definitely a great boost to our confidence for the rest of the season and we are looking forward to Ohio Sunday.”

Johansson hit her second goal of the season at the 55:34 mark. Freshman Katrina Balatgek came up with the ball around midway mark and dribble down field. As freshman entered the circle, she brought the UMass goalkeeper Sam Carlino out of the cage and dished it to Johansson, who fired in the open goal.

“Coming from halftime Coach Lucido had really laid into us, but it was exactly what we needed,” added Johansson. “All the forwards, myself included, were really focused putting it in. We were pretty upset and frustrated that we hadn't gotten a goal in the last couple plays, so Katrina got the ball and laid a great cross over to me and I willed it in.”

After the Spider goal, Richmond only allowed one corner and a shot from UMass to seal the win. Although, the Spiders were out shot by the Minutewomen, 12-5, the Richmond defense limited UMass to just six shots on goal.

Senior goalkeeper Kelley Wentling played all 70 minutes in goal to record the impressive shut out as she stopped five UMass shots for her third win of the season.

The Spiders will return to Crenshaw Field Sunday, Sept. 28 to host Ohio at 12 p.m.