The University of Richmond field hockey team continued its hot streak Sunday by beating Radford University, 1-0, for its seventh win in its last eight games.
In a game filled with controversial calls, the Spiders' perseverance helped them get the win.
"I think our team matured a lot today," Richmond coach Gina Lucido said. "To win a championship, things aren't always going to go your way. The team did well to control what they could. That was their attitude, their character and their sportsmanship on the field."
The Spiders outshot the Highlanders, 9-3, during the first half while preventing any open shots on defense by keeping the ball on the offensive end. The Spiders had one good look on goal, which turned into their only goal of the game.
In the 19th minute, midfielder Blair Kline received a pass in the crease where she eluded a Highlander and passed it to forward Katelin Peterson, who put the ball in the net for the goal. Peterson leads the team with 12 goals for the season.
"That goal was a complete team effort," Peterson said. "We were able to move the ball pretty fluidly down the field. The midfield sent a beautiful ball in and I was in the right place, able to trap [the ball] and get it in the net."
During the second half, the Highlanders came out with a more aggressive game plan. With tighter pressure, they were able to force turnovers although the Spiders defense held strong.
"We did so well defensively," Lucido said. "We're really pleased to see [goalkeeper Anna Zarkowski] taking control back there and really being a leader on defense."
The Spiders have two more conference games, against University of Massachusetts and La Salle University, before starting the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Nov. 4.
"It's always good to have a good win before the end of conference play," Peterson said.
Contact reporter Will Offit at will.offit@richmond.edu
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