Field Hockey tops Georgetown University on Senior Day

The University of Richmond field hockey team won 3-1 against Georgetown University on Oct. 13.

The Spiders, eager for a win on Senior Day, started the game strong. Sophomore forward Clara Larripa attempted a goal in the second minute of play from a penalty corner inserted by junior midfielder Alexa Derr, but was blocked by GU. 

The Hoyas took two goal attempts of their own in the sixth and seventh minutes of the game, but fell short both times. 

UR drew its second penalty corner in the ninth minute, but the shot by Larripa was once again blocked. A minute and a half later, the Spiders had another failed penalty corner. 

The Spiders had another opportunity to score when sophomore forward Valen Luna Paratore was granted a penalty stroke in the 11th minute, but her shot was saved by the Hoyas. 

UR finally made it past the Hoya goalie a minute later when first-year midfielder Grace Wiggins took advantage of a penalty corner, scoring her third career goal, which was assisted by sophomore defender Freya MacKay. 

The Spiders drew another penalty corner two minutes later, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. 

Georgetown drew another unsuccessful penalty corner with 22 seconds left in the period, leaving the Hoyas trailing behind UR. 

The second period had a slow start with GU failing to score a goal on a penalty corner five minutes in. 

Just 25 seconds later, the Spiders had their own penalty corner opportunity. Wiggins, Derr, and Larripa all had shots, but UR was left without a goal. 

The Hoyas answered with a successful penalty corner in the 21st minute of play, evening the score. 

Their victory was short-lived, however, as Larripa capitalized on a penalty corner less than two minutes later, allowing the Spiders to retake the lead. 

UR missed the chance to expand its lead with a penalty corner opportunity in the 25th minute of play. 

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Kristen Rake was tested with two goal attempts by the Hoyas in the final few minutes of the half, but she tallied a save both times. 

The half came to a close with a blocked shot attempt by Wiggins. 

The Hoyas entered the third period with aggression, putting pressure on the Spiders. Georgetown drew a penalty corner two and a half minutes in, but was blocked from scoring a goal. Less than a minute later they attempted another goal, but the shot flew wide. 

UR was not deterred and pushed back with Larripa scoring her 11th goal of the season in the 36th minute of play. 

Georgetown attempted to gain ground on the Spiders with a shot attempt followed by a penalty corner in the 42nd minute of play, but the team fell short. 

The fourth period had less action than the first three quarters. Sophomore forward Avery Russell attempted a goal three minutes in, but the Hoyas defended. 

The Spiders drew a penalty corner in the 59th minute of play, but were blocked. Paratore had a shot attempt with 14 seconds on the clock, but the ball went wide. 

The win against Georgetown continued UR field hockey’s successful season, with its record improving to 10-3. The game proved to be a whirlwind for the players.

“The goal went by really quick,” Larripa said. “I didn’t even know it happened until Valen [Luna Paratore] started to celebrate. I was really happy with today.”

The field hockey team’s next game will be at Saint Joseph’s University at 3 p.m. Oct. 18. 

Saint Joseph’s University, a fellow Atlantic 10 team, will be a major test for the Spiders this season. The Hawks are ranked 11th nationally and boast an 11-2 season record and will be coming in fresh off a win against No. 5 University of Virginia. 

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