No. 8 Virginia Tops No. 17 Delaware 3-1

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 8 Virginia field hockey team (1-1) picked up its first victory of the season with a 3-1 win against No. 17 Delaware (1-1) on Sunday (Aug. 29) at Turf Field.

Virginia scored two goals in the first quarter to take the early lead and never looked back.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Just over three minutes into the game, freshman striker Noa Boterman took a hard shot on goal that was blocked, but fellow striker Peyton Tollaksen picked up the rebound and directed a slow-roller into the net to give UVA a 1-0 lead. With five minutes left in the opening frame, senior midfielder Greer Gill smashed a perfect pass to Boterman in front of the net. Boterman slapped the ball into the goal to build the 2-0 advantage. Delaware scored midway through the second quarter to cut Virginia’s lead in half, with the teams going into the break with the same 2-1 score.

Sophomore midfielder Meghen Hengerer scored an insurance goal for the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter, deflecting in a shot taken by Amber Ezechiels at the top of the circle on a penalty corner.

Senior goalkeeper Taylor Henriksen played the first half and was credited with the win. Freshman Tyler Kennedy made her collegiate debut, playing the second half in goal, making six saves without allowing a goal.

NOTES

• Delaware held a 19-7 advantage in shots
• Eight of Delaware’s shots were on goal; four of Virginia’s seven shots were on goal, with three of the four SOG’s going into the net
• Noa Boterman’s goal was the first of her career
• Tyler Kennedy was the fifth freshman to see playing time this season
• Amber Ezechiels has assisted on a goal in both games this season
• Five different Cavaliers have scored Virginia’s five goals this season

FROM HEAD COACH MICHELE MADISON

“I thought we started the game really well. We stuck to the game plan, we were able to move the ball, get some early goals. That made the game fun game on! Delaware really came after us in the second period, kind of put us on our heels a little bit and the rest of the game was just a struggle to try to gain the transitioning and the momentum again. But sometimes it isn’t pretty and you just have to dig deep. Well, they really dug deep for this one today so congratulations to the whole team.”

ON THE HORIZON

• Virginia travels to play at William & Mary on Friday, Sept. 3 before returning home to host Towson on Sunday, Sept. 5