University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
(5-4)
William & Mary
(4-5)
Spiders Shut Out Rival Tribe For Third-Straight Road Win
09/25/2015 | Field Hockey
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Richmond (5-4) continued its rugged play with its third-straight road win, downing rival William & Mary, 2-0, on Friday night.
The Spiders, who entered the weekend at 15th in the NCAA RPI, have only allowed a single goal in the last three wins on the road.
“This performance today was the result of the entire team's ability to mentally execute the game plan for 70 minutes,” head coach Gina Lucido said. “Emily Braunewell showed her ability to thrive under pressure with a key stroke save that shifted momentum significantly in the final minutes. Katrina Balatgek powered our attack and was a constant threat in the attacking third.”
UR sophomore Katrina Balatgek had a career day, scoring both Richmond goals in the second half for her first points of the season.
Balatgek's first goal came off a loose ball that got past the William & Mary keeper and gave the Reading, Pa., native an opportunity to go far corner just eight minutes into the second half. Hannah Thomson was credited with the assist.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Balatgek put the game out of reach as she drove at the goal unopposed and put the ball past a charging Meredith Savage.
Richmond outshot the Tribe 17-8, with 10 of the 17 Spider shots coming on goal.
UR's Emily Braunewell recorded her second shutout of the season, making four saves, all coming in the second half. She made a crucial stop on a Tribe penalty stroke that helped preserve Richmond's lead and prevent a late William & Mary comeback.
Balatgek and Thomson each finished with a team-high four shots, while William & Mary's Amanda McAteer led the Tribe with two shots on goal.
Richmond has now seen goals from nine different players on the roster, while 13 players have registered a point on the season. Braunewell improves her record to 3-1 with a 2.30 goals allowed average after consecutive shutouts.
The Spiders will look to continue their momentum at home on Sunday at Crenshaw Field, when they face the nationally-ranked Delaware Blue Hens at noon.
Team Stats
BALATGEK, Katrina (1)
Assisted By: THOMSON, Hannah
8 shot, it dribbled past the keeper and
42:55
BALATGEK, Katrina (2)
3 drove unopposed and shot past charging
60:59
