Spiders Drop Season Opener at American, 4-1

Friday, August 24

Washington, D.C.

1PM

University of Richmond

(0-1, 0-0)

American

(1-0, 0-0)

Richmond

American

08/24/2018 | Field Hockey

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of Richmond field hockey team opened the 2018 campaign at American on Friday afternoon, but the Spiders couldn't overcome an experienced Eagle squad, falling 4-1 in Washington, D.C.

American took a 1-0 lead in the 13^th minute, but the Spiders picked up the offensive pressure to keep possession over the next few minutes.

After Richmond earned its second penalty corner of the game, the Eagles took command once again to earn a pair of corners of their own. Strong defensive play from goalkeeper Emily Braunewell, Becky Carter and Steffie Bongers kept American off the board through the closing minutes, but the host Eagles took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Braunewell continued to keep the Spiders in the game with multiple saves to open the half, but American managed to double its lead with a deflection goal off of their fourth penalty corner of the afternoon.

The Eagles kept on the pressure to score off of another corner just a few minutes later and take a three-goal lead, but Cadera Smith wouldn't let up, serving as an offensive spark and just barely missing on a 1-v-1 opportunity with the American goalkeeper.

After multiple opportunities for the Eagles, The Spiders took advantage of a defensive lapse by the host team as Elise Zwicklbauer buried a fall-away shot following a broken penalty corner.

Despite moments of offensive pressure in the closing minutes, the Spiders were unable to convert again and allowed a fourth goal by American for a final score of 4-1.

Braunewell finished the game with six saves, while four different Spiders led the way with two shots apiece.

The Spiders return to action on Sunday, August 26, when they face Rutgers on the road. Game time in Picataway, N.J., is set for 1 p.m.