Field hockey on four game win streak after overtime win against Towson University

The University of Richmond field hockey team won 2-1 against Towson University at home Sept. 29. 

The first penalty corner of the game went to UR four and a half minutes into the first period, and senior midfielder Annie Nash scored her first goal of the season. The Spiders drew another penalty corner a few minutes later but were unable to take advantage. 

In the second period, Towson scored a goal, but after review, it was ruled invalid. Instead, the Tigers received a penalty stroke, with which they scored. 

The Spiders had an opportunity to take the lead moments later, when they drew two penalty corners, but both attempts were unsuccessful. Another penalty corner was awarded to UR midway through the period, but they were unable to score once again. 

Junior midfielder Jess McMeeking was given a green card for stick interference, and sophomore forward Avery Russell took her place seven minutes into the period. 

UR was awarded another corner, but the shot was deflected by the Tigers. With four and a half minutes left in the half, Towson drew two unsuccessful penalty corner attempts, missing its opportunity to take the lead. 

Seven minutes into the third period, the Tigers suffered a failed attempt at a penalty corner. The shot was initially called a goal, but after review, the point was revoked as UR deflected the ball last minute. 

The Spiders drew their seventh penalty corner of the game two minutes later, but Towson defended successfully. Minutes later, sophomore forward Clara Larripa entered the ball for another penalty corner, but the Spiders were once again left without a goal. 

Towson had its own unsuccessful penalty corner, leaving the score 1-1 leading into the fourth period. 

The Spiders drew the first penalty corner of the fourth period, but their attempt to score fell short. Moments later, the Spider’s had three more penalty corners but were unable to create a goal out of any of them. 

The Spiders drew their thirteenth penalty corner, which initially seemed successful, but the goal was voided upon review, leaving the game tied with seven minutes on the clock. Neither team was able to score in the period, taking the game into overtime. 

The Tigers drew a penalty corner shortly into the fifth period, but they were unable to score. 

The Spiders drew a penalty corner minutes later, leading to sophomore forward Valen Luna Paratore netting a game-winning goal. This was the fourth overtime win for the Spiders this season. 

“I am happy that we won, but I’m not going to be complacent about it,” redshirt junior goalkeeper Kristen Rake said after the game. “We want to be beating teams by more than just one in an overtime goal.”

This victory leaves the Spiders 7-2 leading into their next game against La Salle University, a fellow Atlantic 10 team, at 5 p.m. Oct. 4 on Crenshaw Field. UR Head Coach Martu Loncarica left La Salle to coach UR this season, meaning she will be facing her former players on her new home field. The Spiders currently sit 2-0 in their conference and will look to maintain that momentum.

Contact lifestyle editor Abigail Finney at abigail.finney@richmond.edu.