Spiders Drop A-10 Opener to VCU, 3-1

Friday, September 15

Crenshaw Field

5 PM

University of Richmond

(0-6, 0-1)

VCU

(5-1, 1-0)

VCU

Richmond

09/15/2017 | Field Hockey

Box Score

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond field hockey couldn't hold an early lead and fell to intercity rivals VCU 3-1 in its Atlantic-10 opener Friday evening at Crenshaw Field.

Sophomore Abby Lyons started the scoring for the Spiders 12 minutes into the first half, knocking in a pass from senior Hannah Thomson directly in front of the cage. It was Lyons' first career goal and Thomson's second career assist. The play started with a corner from junior Olivia Hubert.

For the remainder of the half, the majority of play took place in front of the Richmond cage but the Spiders were able to take a 1-0 lead to the break thanks to eight first-half saves from junior Felicitas Heinzel, including three in a row during a frenzied sequence with 11 minutes remaining.

VCU evened the score at 1-1 seven minutes into the second half when Svea Sturm scored on a rebound following a save by Heinzel.

The Rams took their first lead of the game 15 minutes into the second half when Sturm's twin sister Maite scored on a bouncing shot that found its way past Heinzel.

VCU extended its lead to 3-1 four minutes later when Emily McNamara's high shot trickled to the back of the cage after Heinzel made the initial stop.

Senior Katrina Balatgek tried to kickstart the Spiders comeback attempt with 12 minutes remaining in the game but her shot at the end of a long breakaway was blocked. The Spiders held the Rams without a shot for the remainder of the contest but were unable to narrow their deficit.

Senior Kasey Gilbride led Richmond with a season-high five shots and Heinzel recorded a career-high 12 saves, her fourth straight game with double-digit saves.

Richmond returns to action Sunday as the Spiders travel to Charlottesville for a noon game against fifth-ranked Virginia.