Cavaliers Down In-State Rival ODU, 2-0

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The 11th-ranked Virginia field hockey team won its fourth consecutive game, a 2-0 win over No. 8 Old Dominion, on Sunday on the University Hall Turf Field. The win marked the first for the Cavalier program over Old Dominion since 1996; the Monarchs had previously claimed the last 11 meetings between the two teams. Third-year Traci Ragukas and first-year Michelle Vittese tallied goals for the Orange and Blue.

“That was the most pressure we have dealt with so far this season,” Virginia head coach Michele Madison said. “We are continuing to improve as a team. The atmosphere out there today was good. I liked our players discussing things in a hockey way. That helps them coach each other on the field and talk through things.”

After a scoreless first half in which the Cavaliers outshot ODU 10-1 and outcornered the Monarchs 5-1, Ragukas notched her fourth goal of the year. Rookie Paige Selenski intercepted a pass and broke away toward the cage, feeding Ragukas, who tapped it in on the far post. Three minutes later, Vittese scored her fourth of the season to give UVa a two-goal advantage.

The Virginia defensive unit recorded its second shutout of the year. Goalkeepers Devon Burnley and Amy Desjadon combined for the shutout in the cage. The defensive unit also held the Monarchs to just five shots.

“They were better organized today,” assistant coach Alex Kyser said of the defense. “They communicated starting in the backfield and were ready, not panicked.”

The Cavalier offense, meanwhile, recorded 23 shots and outcornered Old Dominion 7-5. Selenski tallied seven shots in the game, six of which were on target. Inge Kaars Sijpestein recorded five shots and Vittese finished with four. ODU goalkeeper Kelly Driscoll had 12 saves in the cage.

Virginia hits the road for the first time this season Wednesday at No. 7 James Madison. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.