Richmond blanks Lock Haven, 2-0, for second A-10 win

Senior forward Katelin Peterson scored a goal and assisted on another as the University of Richmond field hockey team shut out Lock Haven University, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at Crenshaw Field.

Peterson scored her eighth goal of the season late during the first half off of a corner. Natalie Gallo took a shot to the right of Lock Haven goalie Kelsey Moll that appeared to be going wide of the net. Peterson was in front of the net though after getting the play started and redirected the shot past Moll.

The goal tied her with Chelsea Davies for the team lead. Peterson had an opportunity to take sole possession of the lead later in the game with a penalty shot, but Moll made a kick-save with her left leg.

The Spiders generated much of their offense off of corners but were only able to convert the one opportunity into a goal.

In this game it didn't matter that the Spiders missed their other chances off of corners as the Spider defense prevented the Eagles from getting good shots. The defense, especially senior Betsy Herr, were there to slow down and occasionally break up an Eagle rush.

"I think our team took a maturity step today to stay mentally engaged as much as their physical play showed, being able to shut Lock Haven down" Richmond coach Gina Lucido said.

Although the defense did not need it, Jessica Hollis added an insurance goal during the second half. Peterson sent a centering pass from the right side of the field and found Hollis on the other side of the net. It was the second goal of the year for Hollis.

The win keeps Richmond (9-6, 2-1) tied for third in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings with La Salle University. Only Massachusetts and Temple are perfect in conference play.

Richmond's only loss in the A10 was a 2-1 loss at Temple Friday. Sunday's win took added importance as it prevented the Spiders from dropping consecutive conference games after opening conference play with a 6-1 victory last weekend over Saint Louis.

"Going into the conference, each game now counts for the tournament," Peterson said. "Each game we have to come out completely focused, ready to attack hard, play our game and come out with the win."

Contact staff writer Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu