University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
(2-2)
No. 17 Liberty
(4-0)
Ranked Flames Pull Away For 7-1 Win Over Spiders
09/08/2015 | Field Hockey
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Spiders (2-2) scored the first goal of the contest but could not hold the lead as the No. 17 Liberty Flames (4-0) captured a 7-1 victory on Tuesday night at the Liberty Field Hockey complex.
The game marked the second-straight tough road game for Richmond against a nationally ranked opponent. The undefeated Flames entered the Top 25 on Tuesday morning after their perfect start.
“Liberty played exactly how we expected them to, and proved why they are such lethal program,” head coach Gina Lucido said. “Their passion and intensity was undaunted. Unfortunately, we have not been able to elevate our mental and physical game in pivotal momentum moments and paid the price in our last two contests. We press on to Friday's match and hope to represent our true character.”
UR got on the scoreboard first with a strong push in the counterattack that gave senior Kimberly Sportack a prime opportunity. She worked the ball into the circle and her shot deflected off a Liberty defender and into the goal to give Richmond a 1-0 lead just four minutes into the contest.
The Spider defense then clamped down and did not allow many quality opportunities for the aggressive Flame attack. However, shot opportunities began to mount and Liberty's Natalie Barr scored off a deflection with 11 minutes remaining in the first half to tie the score.
Ashlee Krulock poked in yet another rebound just minutes later to give Liberty a 2-1 lead at halftime.
LU came out of the locker room hot and scored three goals in four minutes to push the advantage to 5-1 and effectively put the outcome out of reach. Richmond was able to regain offensive momentum late with a number of penalty corners, but Liberty goalkeeper Mallory Cuccio made several saves to keep Richmond out of the goal.
Liberty added two late goals for the final margin of 7-1.
Senior back Amy Cooke led the Spiders with four shots, including three on goal, while Thalia Williamson had two shots on goal.
Emily Braunewell started the contest in goal for the Spiders, making 6 saves but allowing seven goals through 59:41. Amanda Hoyt played the final 10:19.
Richmond returns home to face another state rival in JMU on Friday night at 6 p.m. at Crenshaw Field.
Team Stats
SPORTACK, Kimberly (1)
shot from the top of circle, deflected i
4:26
BARR, Natalie (2)
scored top shelf off rebounded save
24:10
KRULOCK, Ashlee (3)
poked ball in off the rebounded shot
27:55
GIPE, Sarah (2)
Assisted By: KRULOCK, Ashlee
passed across the front of the net, tipp
36:34
BARR, Serena (2)
Assisted By: JONES, Hannah , BREMNER, Cassidy
shot from the top of the circle into the
38:12
GIPE, Sarah (3)
knocked ball out of the air in front of
39:32
BARR, Serena (3)
stole the ball, dribbled in and shot fro
54:02
PRATT, Lindsay (1)
scored off rebound
57:59
