University of Richmond
(2-1)
Ball State
(3-1)
Spiders Blank Ball State, 1-0 on Saturday
09/03/2016 | Field Hockey
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Richmond field hockey team registered their first shutout of the season with a 1-0 victory over Ball State on Saturday afternoon.
"Today was a gritty and physical match, but the team maintained control under pressure and got the job done," said head coach Gina Lucido. "Freshman Amanda DaSilva was a key player on our defensive front and shut down a lot of BSU's offensive threat."
Senior Emma Johansson found the back of the cage early to give Richmond a 1-0 advantage, when junior Kasey Gilbride connected with her for a pass just inside the circle.
"Our captain put us on the board, with a great game-winning goal," said coach Lucido.
Minutes later, junior Jessica Bishop looked to extend the Spiders' lead with a shot off a penalty corner, but her shot was blocked by the Ball State defense.
With a penalty corner, Ball State (3-1) fired off shots looking for the equalizer, but junior goalkeeper Amanda Hoyt was there to turn away each chance.
Richmond (2-1) looked to add a goal off a corner, but Gilbride's shot was stopped by BSU's keeper before classmate Megan Miller missed just wide.
The Spiders continued to blast shots in the second period as they looked to add some insurance goals, but the Cardinals defense wouldn't let anything get through to the net
With 10 minutes left, Gilbride and Miller again looked for an opening, but both of their shots were denied.
Richmond held on to their 1-0 lead as time expired to hand Ball State, coach Lucido's alma mater, its first loss of the season.
The Spiders will face No. 12 Louisville tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Coach Lucido said tomorrow's game is big test for the Spiders, but they are eager to face Louisville head-on.
Tomorrow's game will be available on ACC Extra Network (ESPN3).
Team Stats
JOHANSSON, Emma (2)
Assisted By: GILBRIDE, Kasey
pass from left side of circle
8:45
