Spiders Blaze Past Drexel, 4-1 on Sunday

Sunday, August 28

Philadelphia, Pa.

12:00 PM

University of Richmond

(1-1)

Drexel

(0-1)

Richmond

Drexel

08/28/2016 | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: Richmond Athletics

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The University of Richmond field hockey team came out firing on Sunday afternoon for a 4-1 victory over Drexel. A pair of veteran Spiders picked up their first goals of the season, while two rookies registered their first career goals.

"Our team was able to receive critical feedback and make necessary changes today," said head coach Gina Lucido. " The focus of the entire squad today survived an early goal and change momentum to our favor in the second half. Today I am so proud how they embraced the hard work and celebrate the squad."

Drexel (0-1) got things started quickly in their season opener as the Dragons grabbed a quick 1-0 lead four minutes into the game off a penalty corner from Idrienne Walker.

Richmond (1-1) responded when Katrina Balatgek found the back of the cage for her first goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1. Minutes later, the Spiders looked to take a lead off a corner, but both shots from Kelly Quinn and Abby Lyons were denied by the Drexel keeper.

Both teams continued to battle looking for an opportunity to take the lead. As time expired, Drexel's Megan Wiest chipped the ball in but Amanda Hoyt was there with the save, keeping the game tied 1-1 at the break.

The Spiders came out firing in the second period, with four shots in a span of two minutes. However, the Dragons turned away each chance.

Freshman Elise Zwicklbauer connected with classmate Emma Nash to give the Spiders a 2-1 advantage with her first collegiate goal.

Drexel looked to cut the deficit, but the Dragons were unable to capitalize on their shots.

Freshman Kaitlyn DaSilva extended Richmond's lead to 3-1 with her goal as a Spider when she chipped in a shot off a rebound after a save following a penalty. Senior Emma Johansson fired a shot from Balatgek to give the Spiders' a 4-1 advantage, one they wouldn't relinquish as time ran out.

Richmond has a big road weekend ahead as they travel to Louisville, Ky. for a pair of games. First on the docket is coach Lucido's alma mater, Ball State, on Saturday (Aug.3). That game is scheduled for 1:15p.m.