In their return home following consecutive road losses last weekend, ODU Field Hockey secured a commanding 8-1 victory, marking a return to winning form with eight unanswered goals. The win brings ODU to a season record of 6-4 (2-1 in the Big East). The team concluded the game with 20 shots overall, 16 of which were on goal.
The visitors took an early lead within the game’s first five minutes. However, Old Dominion rallied from this initial setback and proceeded to dominate the game. Junior midfielder Emily Tamarro, with seven minutes remaining in the first half, assisted senior forward Tess Jedeloo in scoring her eighth goal of the season. The team earned four penalty corners in the opening period in pursuit of taking the lead. With less than a minute left in the half, midfielders Sanci Molkenboer and Frederique Zanderbergen provided the assist for freshman back Ameile Zieckle, bringing the score to 2-1.
Zanderbergen furthered the team’s lead by scoring her fourth goal of the season four minutes into the second period, as the Lady Monarchs continued to widen their advantage. With under four minutes left, Jedeloo secured her second goal of the day, marking her ninth of the season, while Zanderbergen notched her second assist. Senior midfielder Sian Emslie also scored her first goal of the season just before halftime, further extending ODU’s advantage.
Entering the second half with a 5-1 lead, Old Dominion showcased continued offensive prowess. Zieckle secured her second goal of the day three minutes into the third period, with an assist from Zanderbergen, extending the lead to five goals. As the period progressed, Emslie scored her second goal of the year, while Jedeloo completed her hat-trick goal with a pass from Molkenboer, bringing the score to 8-1.
Old Dominion convincingly retained their lead throughout the first three periods, with the score remaining unchanged for the remainder of the game.
In a resounding display of teamwork and determination, ODU head coach Andrew Griffiths praised his players for their impressive turnaround following a challenging weekend. Reflecting on their recent performance, Griffiths highlighted the unselfish play and collective effort that defined the game, ultimately leading to a well-deserved victory.
“It was a full team performance from across the board, unselfish play and attitudes, and they earned it. They also earned a good weekend off.” Griffiths added. “It was a good response after a lackluster weekend last week. The players took it upon themselves to make some changes and played much more together as a team.”
Next up for the Lady Monarchs is another home conference matchup against the University of Georgetown. Game time for Old Dominion is on Thursday, October 10th at 5 p.m.