NEED TO KNOW:
Score: No. 19 Washington & Lee 6, Meredith 3
Records: Meredith, 5-8; Washington & Lee, 11-3
RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith field hockey took on No. 19 Washington & Lee on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh and held tough with the Generals, falling by a 6-3 margin.
Playing its first home contest in nearly a month, the Avenging Angels displayed a hard-fought defensive effort to hold the Generals high-powered offense in check.
Carleigh Harris and
Lyla Burdine each delivered standout defensive performances to keep the game close. Harris became the program's all-time leader in defensive saves, making three in a stalwart performance. Burdine also was strong in goal, with a season-best 25 saves, including 16 in the second half alone.
W&L started the game with just a single first quarter goal, but extended its lead with four second half goals to run out to a 5-0 advantage late in the opening half. However, Meredith turned the tides from that point forward, as
Charlotte Dyer converted a penalty stroke goal just under two minutes later. Then, it was
Marissa Tilgner's turn, converting close to a penalty corner off an assist from Lydia smith.
The second half was a defensive showdown, with neither side scoring for almost 30 minutes of game action as the contest stalled at 5-2.
While W&L captured a late goal to make it 6-2, the Angels once again responded, this time on a beautiful display of passing and movement, culminating in a
Megan Ingenito goal from a Dyer assist.
The contest marks three strong performances in a row for Meredith, coming off the two close wins in Ohio last week.
Up next, the Avenging Angels will have one last road trip, taking on Coker this Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
- Washington & Lee's four second quarter goals proved to be the difference.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Harris became the program's all-time leader in defensive saves, and then added two more in the second half to lead the team.
- Burdine made a season-high 25 saves in a valiant second half performance.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The teams combined for 19 penalty corners.
- Meredith's three goals is tied for the most that Washington & Lee has allowed in a game this season.
