Temple University snaps Spiders’ win streak

The University of Richmond field hockey team’s four-game winning streak was ended by Temple University in a close 3-2 contest on Sunday, Sept. 28 in Philadelphia.

The matchup was so similar, yet so different than last season’s 3-2 overtime victory for Richmond against the Owls. While the 2024 game only had scoring in the first and overtime periods, this matchup came down to a dramatic fourth quarter tiebreaker. 

A stain on an impressive record, this game marks only the fourth defeat the Spiders have suffered to Temple in the two teams’ 19-game history. 

Richmond struggled its way through a lethargic first quarter, not finding an opportunity for a single goal attempt. Temple, on the other hand, wasted no time in a shot-on-goal within 35 seconds, junior goalkeeper Amanda Cimillo making the save. 

Trading off fouls, both teams fought to find ground. Finally, Temple found an opportunity to put up some points. Taking position for a penalty corner in the 10th minute of play, the Owls took advantage, finding the back of the cage. 

While the Spiders were left empty-handed when the buzzer sounded, the next quarter brought new chances. Less than four minutes into the second quarter, Richmond forced a turnover, allowing junior midfielder Charly Faherty to slip the ball past Temple’s goalkeeper, evening the score to 1-1. 

Temple tried to answer the goal three minutes later, but the shot flew wide. Forcing the Spiders into a defensive position, the Owls racked up three penalty corners back-to-back. A save, a block, and a high shot later left the score the same.

In the 28th minute of play, the Spiders took one of the few chances at a goal to their full advantage, first-year midfielder Amy Stripling achieving a penalty kick goal. Trying for a third point, junior forward Clara Larripa slung a wide shot toward the cage in the last 10 seconds of the half. 

The third quarter kicked off with a failed penalty corner for the Spiders in the first minute of the half. Temple, on a rampage, picked up six fouls and a green card within the first six minutes. Both teams struggled to generate anything, Richmond tallying one shot in the quarter, the Owls picking up only two more. 

However, the Spiders were unable to put up any points, and Temple scored a goal in the last minute and a half of the third quarter, making the score even going into the final quarter. 

The Owls were relentless, picking up three penalty corners in the first half of the fourth quarter while UR only managed to pick up six fouls. With a stroke of luck, Temple’s third penalty corner was fruitful, Temple up 3-2. 

This forced Richmond into a mad scramble to at least even the score. With six and a half minutes on the clock, the Spiders needed to pull it together sooner rather than later. 

The Owls were prepared, keeping possession and tallying two more penalty corners following the goal. With less than three minutes left in the game, UR switched into offense mode and left the team as goalkeeper. 

Richmond had a chance at a penalty corner, but picked up two fouls and a green card rather than a goal. Senior midfielder Alexa Derr made a defensive save in the very last second of the game, ensuring Richmond ended the game only one goal behind. 

Temple outscored the Spiders 18-5 in shots, Richmond picking up five saves while the Owls managed none. This contest marked a short reprieve from conference play, but UR will have to lock back in if it wishes to maintain its perfect Atlantic 10 record. 

Next up, the Spiders face Saint Louis University at home on Friday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Richmond has never lost to the Billikens, with over half of its victories being shutouts. 

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