WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University field hockey remained unbeaten in conference play Wednesday evening with a 2–1 home win over Bridgewater (Va.) at Aikens Stadium. The Hornets (9-2, 2-0 ODAC) utilized a team effort and stout defending to take down the speedy Eagles (4-6, 1-1 ODAC) in a tightly-contested matchup.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The scoring opened just over three minutes into the game, with Senior
Madison Short converting a penalty stroke in the 4th minute to give Shenandoah an early 1–0 lead. The goal marked Short's third of the season and set the tone for a first period that saw the Hornets outshoot the Eagles 5–1.
Despite sustained pressure and multiple first-half corners, Shenandoah could not add to its advantage before halftime. Bridgewater goalkeeper Ashley Nau kept her team within striking distance, stopping six shots over the opening two quarters.
The Eagles found the equalizer midway through the third period when Mollie Best finished off a feed from Natalie Stock in the 37th minute, knotting the score at 1–1. The goal energized Bridgewater, but Shenandoah quickly answered back.
Less than five minutes later,
Claudia Lenahan buried the go-ahead goal in the 42nd minute, marking her sixth goal of the season. The senior forward's finish came off a penalty corner sequence initiated by Short — one of three such opportunities in the quarter — and proved to be the game-winner.
From there, the Hornets' defense and goalkeeper
Cassidy Alexander held firm. Alexander tallied three saves, including two in the final quarter, to preserve the victory. Shenandoah outshot Bridgewater 19–9 and held a 6–1 edge in penalty corners, controlling possession for much of the match.
Bridgewater saw Best's third goal of the year stand as its lone tally, while Nau and Madalyn Miller combined for eight saves in the loss.
Shenandoah's physical midfield, led by
Ellie Quinn and
Ava Fields, helped the Hornets fend off several late pushes by the Eagles, even as a late green card on
Kierney Weigle forced the hosts to play down a player in the final two minutes.
With the win, Shenandoah continues to be in the driver's seat in the ODAC, with their toughest competition right around the corner.
UP NEXT
The Hornets return to action on Saturday, as they host ODAC rival and #18 Lynchburg in a 1pm tilt.
#GoSUHornets
