Field hockey falls 1-2 after overtime loss to James Madison University

The University of Richmond field hockey team suffered its first overtime loss of the season, losing 2-1 to James Madison University on Sep. 5. 

Tallying a second consecutive loss to the Dukes left the Spiders with a 5-19 record against JMU. Last season, Richmond suffered a similarly frustrating 2-1 loss. 

With no scoring in the first half, this was a defensive game, each team pushing to lock the other down. 

With both sides immediately drawing strong defensive lines, the first shot didn’t come until the 14th minute of play. The ball ricocheted off the post, denying the Dukes an early advantage. The Spiders generated a corner opportunity with 14 seconds left in the first period. 

Senior midfielder Jess McMeeking entered the ball, junior forward Clara Larripa taking the shot. JMU blocked the attempt, the buzzer shortly following and marking the end of a scoreless quarter. 

Richmond came into the second quarter hungry for a goal, the Spiders managing three corners and five shots. Despite repeated attempts, JMU continued to save and block the shots. In the 25th minute of play, the Dukes tallied their own penalty corner. 

Redshirt sophomore midfielder Camila Daud came to the rescue, notching a defensive save on her belt. On the other side of the field, the Spiders struggled with two more failed corner attempts leaving Richmond empty-handed. 

JMU swiftly snagged the first shot of the second half, junior goalkeeper Amanda Cimillo making a save. Both teams continued to rack up shots and penalty corners, neither able to make any ground. 

Finally, a fruitful penalty corner for the Spiders put points on the board, first-year midfielder Amy Stripling recording her first collegiate goal. 

The goal sent the Dukes into overdrive, JMU raining down shots for the remainder of the quarter. A strong defensive showing by the Spiders allowed UR to keep its hard-fought lead. 

As James Madison continued to fling shots at the goal in the final quarter, Richmond continued to defend and deny. One team desperate for a goal, the other looking to hold onto a sliver of a lead, tension roiled off the field. 

In a last ditch effort, JMU rushed into the circle, less than two minutes on the clock. A breath later, the ball found the back of the cage. There, the game was sent into overtime. 

Things still felt possible for the Spiders as Richmond generated three penalty corners within just over a minute. Those failed attempts would lead to an opening for JMU. 

Not a minute later, an unassisted goal by the Dukes ended the contest, UR falling short. 

The Spiders are struggling with the tough non-conference schedule, having to keep up a perfect game in order to keep up.  

Up next, Richmond hits the road to face No. 17 Liberty University on Sunday, Sep. 7 at 2:00 p.m. The teams rarely face each other, the Spiders holding a 1-3 against the Flames. This will give UR a chance to improve its record for the season as well as gain redemption for past losses. 

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