Field hockey team back on track after first losses of season

Photo by Josiah Garber

Jonalyn Denlinger (13) scored a goal and assisted on two others in the Lady Royals’ win Wednesday over Roanoke.

Drizzling rain and frigid winds didn’t deter a large crowd at Wednesday night’s field hockey game versus rival Roanoke College. The Lady Royals treated fans to a 4-0 victory under the lights of the turf field and reasserted themselves in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

The Royals scored a flurry of goals in the first half. Senior Kristin Moyer opened the scoring at 26:59 off an assist from Sophomore Jonalyn Denlinger. Denlinger found Kristie Souder open six minutes later, and then added her own unassisted goal at 38:42. Molly Harrington capped the scoring at 57:33 off of a Lisa Ehst assist.

Prior to the game, head coach Brenda Bechler challenged her team to rebound after the set backs over fall break. Roanoke College was all the inspiration they needed. The Maroons stunned EMU in the ODAC quarter-finals last year, only weeks after the Royals had beaten RC convincingly. In 2001, RC ended EMU’s season in the ODAC semi-finals.

The Maroons had not been shut out in 15 games this year, and Bechler challenged her team to end that streak. The Royals’ pressure defense allowed only one shot before the half, and held RC to 11 for the game. The offense wore out the Maroon defense, controlling the ball most of the game, and getting off 38 shots, including several that struck the goal post.

Denlinger and Ehst were pleased with the effort. "We connected well." Said Ehst. "We’re definitely back on track." Added Denlinger.

Wednesday’s win came after two road losses over fall break. On Friday, October 19 EMU lost to unranked Eastern University 2-0. The loss was unexpected, and the Royals played admittedly bad. They managed only three shots and were scored on just seven minutes into the game. The shutout was the first of the season for a normally prolific offense.

But, the Royals responded against the top-ranked College of New Jersey. The Lions scored late in the first half, but Jonalyn Denlinger tied the game shortly after halftime. Some controversy surrounded TCNJ’s next goal, as several players and coaches contend that the ball was shot just beyond the 25-yard line. Officials allowed the goal, and the Lions later scored on a controversial penalty stroke to put the game out of reach.

"Saturday we played well. [The team] turned around their game." Said Bechler.

At 13-2, EMU still clings to a top ten ranking in NFHCA polls. The Royals stayed perfect in the conference at 7-0. Virginia Wesleyan is now the ODAC’s only perfect team. The Royals hope to end the Marlins run in a rare Sunday match in Hampton/Virginia Beach.