The Virginia field hockey team faced a tough 2-0 loss to No. 14 Delaware this Sunday. Ranked No. 5 in their conference, Virginia was unable to put the ball in the net on their blue, University Hall Turf Field.
Virginia and Delaware have a shaky past – Virginia has defeated Delaware every game since 1988, but the Blue Hens are known for putting up a solid fight. Last season, Virginia met Delaware in overtime for two matches, one during the NCAA tournament. This year the Blue Hens were ready for revenge.
Delaware’s defense was outstanding – shutting down over 19 Virginia shots. The Blue Hens goalie, Emmeline Oltman made a career-high 11 saves against the Cavalier’s pressing offense.
The Cavalier’s offense remained solid throughout the entirety of the game, exemplifying phenomenal passing sequences that carried them down the field, before stalling and coming up short, unable to capitalize on their shots.
With eight minutes left in the first half, Virginia had a chance to score as Lucy Hayms (Sr.) and Riley Tata (Sr.) fired off three quick, consecutive shots. But these shots were no match for Oltman, as the Blue Hens continued to maintain their shutout.
For Delaware, the Blue Hens scored in the first half off of a penalty corner. They clenched their victory in the second half with Alexis Gazzio’s wide-open goal to the far post.
This came at a tough time, as the Wahoos were still attempting to get over last Sunday’s 3-0 loss against No. 18 Penn State.
Despite these series of shutouts, the outlook on Virginia’s season is still a promising one. The Wahoos return to play next weekend in Durham, N.C. against Duke at 6pm.
