No. 13 Virginia Wins 2-1 at No. 11 Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The No. 13 Virginia field hockey team (7-11, 4-7 ACC) closed out the 2020-21 season with a 2-1 victory at No. 11 Syracuse (8-7, 4-5 ACC) on Friday (Apr. 16) in Syracuse, N.Y.

Virginia never trailed in the game, with junior midfielder Annie McDonough (Kennett Square, Pa.) scoring the game-winner with 4:06 remaining in regulation.

Freshman midfielder Meghen Hengerer (Bedminster, N.J.) scored her first career goal while her twin sister striker Lilly Hengerer (Bedminster, N.J.) assisted on McDonough’s game-winner.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After neither team took a shot in the first period, Virginia scored on its first opportunity of the game. Meghen Hengerer inserted the ball during a penalty corner and then slid to the corner of the net to knock in a pass from junior back Amber Ezechiels (Niew-Vennep, Netherlands)

Virginia’s 1-0 advantage held until Syracuse scored four minutes into the second half on a goal from Hailey Bitters.

With time winding down in regulation, Lilly Hengerer found an open McDonough in front of the net. McDonough smashed a goal over the keeper and into the net to put the Cavaliers ahead.

Virginia only had two shots on goal in the game, scoring on both.

FROM HEAD COACH MICHELE MADISON

“That’s the way to end a covid season! The defense was superior against a very chaotically opportunistic Syracuse team. We kept our connection through the frenetic pace with only one breakdown that led to a goal. Corner defense was outstanding, getting five saves on one corner. Lauren and her corner D were denying shots left and right.

On the other side of the ball, Syracuse forced us to play stronger and faster on our first touch. We need to improve this part of our game to exploit a swarming defense.  We were able to capitalize driving the baseline today. Absolutely textbook game-winner from Lilly to Annie. Overall, very proud of another fantastic team preparation and performance from this irritated but determined team.”

NOTES

• Syracuse held a 12-5 edge in shots, with nine of the Orange’s shots coming in the second half
• Junior goalkeeper Lauren Hausheer (West Windsor, N.J.) made five saves
• Annie McDonough’s goal was her fourth of the season, all coming during the spring portion of the season
• Amber Ezechiels assist was her team-leading ninth of the season
• Lilly Hengerer’s assist was her first career point
• Virginia finishes the spring conference slate with a 2-4 mark

ON THE HORIZON

• This was the final game of the season for the Cavaliers