Field hockey wins 5-4 against Davidson College in overtime

The University of Richmond field hockey succeeded in its second Atlantic 10 game, winning 5-4 against Davidson College at home Sept. 28. 

Fighting in rain and wind, the Spiders quickly put points on the board when first-year midfielder Grace Wiggins succeeded in a penalty corner shot within the first few minutes of the game. 

Less than a minute later the Spiders drew another penalty corner, but were blocked by Davidson’s defense.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Kristen Rake blocked an aggressive shot by Davidson, but moments later the Wildcats shot again and scored, tying the game. A quick pace was established for the rest of the first period and neither team was able to maintain possession for long.  

Early into the second period, Davidson was awarded three penalty corners, but the Wildcats were unsuccessful with all of their shots going wide. 

Moments later, sophomore forward Luna Paratore scored her fifth goal of the season, but UR’s lead didn’t last long. The Wildcats drew a successful penalty corner midway through the period. Minutes later, Davidson scored again, taking control of the game. 

With 13 seconds left in the second period, UR drew a penalty corner, but the Spiders had their shot deflected, leaving them behind on the scoreboard after the first half. 

The rain finally began to ease leading into the third period. Rake denied Davidon’s fifth penalty shot of the game. The Spiders were awarded three penalty shots after Paratore called for a review on a referee’s call on a play, but they were blocked each time. 

There was no scoring in the third period, and the Spiders were beginning to get frustrated. 

“It was hard because we were not having the best control of the ball,” Paratore said after the game. 

Seconds into the fourth period, UR drew two penalty corners, but neither succeeded. However, minutes later, junior midfielder Lainey Nichols scored a penalty shot, which was her first of the season. This motivated the Spiders, as UR Head Coach Loncarica even gave Nichols a kiss on the forehead following the goal. 

Despite Rake’s best effort, Davidson scored thirty seconds later, taking the lead again. UR drew its tenth penalty corner of the game, but the shot went wide. Davidson had its own unsuccessful penalty corner minutes later. 

Paratore scored her second goal of the game with 51 seconds left in the period, taking the game into overtime. 

Wiggins scored UR’s winning shot within the first two minutes of overtime and the Spiders emerged victorious. 

“It was very intense, but I knew the passes were there,” Wiggins said. 

UR’s next game will take place against Towson University at Crenshaw Field at 11 a.m. Sept. 29. The Spiders have beaten Towson in recent years, but the Tigers are fresh off a win against William & Mary and they’ll be looking to improve their 4-4 record.

Contact writer Abigail Finney at abigail.finney@richmond.edu.