Strong Rhody defense propelled the team to their first-ever win at Meade Stadium. PHOTO CREDIT: Greg Clark | Staff Photographer
In their first-ever game at Meade Stadium, the University of Rhode Island Club Field Hockey team came away with the win, defeating Fairfield University 2-1 after a strong first-half effort in their opening game of the spring season.
The game was also the first at home for the Rams in three years, according to team treasurer Katie Bonacci.
“It was a big deal because our program has been pretty competitive in the past,” Bonacci said. “It marks our team coming back, being competitive again, and having the support of the fans and everything.”
Rhody got off to a strong start with a number of early scoring opportunities. After a close miss right off the bat, the Rams had another opportunity to score off of a penalty corner in the first quarter. After a battle right in front of the goal, Madison Martins found the back of the goal to give the Rams the first point of the game. Senior Katie Siegle picked up the assist on the play.
Siegle, who also serves as the team president, said that it was important for her team to get off to a hot start.
“I was really impressed and proud with how we came out looking on Sunday, particularly after not having played for so long,” she said. “I think everyone was excited to play, and it was nice to see.”
The score held at 1-0 until about midway through the second quarter. The Rams were awarded with their second penalty corner of the game, which set up their second score shortly after. Ava Amato found an opening to score and doubled Rhody’s lead 2-0 going into the intermission.
After URI controlled the field position battle in the first half, the Stags bounced back in the second half. In a defensive third quarter for both teams, Rhody’s defense held tight on Fairfield’s first penalty corner of the day, while sophomore goalie Ava True held strong on another Stags shot attempt late in the period.
Fairfield finally found their way onto the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. In their second penalty corner chance of the contest, the Stags missed initially but were able to keep the ball right deep in the striking circle. It appeared the Rams made the stop shortly after, but Fairfield was awarded with a goal after it was ruled that the ball crossed the goal line before being batted away.
The Stags had a number of opportunities to tie the game late, including a third penalty corner opportunity, but Rhody’s defense held on in the clutch to secure the 2-1 win.
Establishing an early lead and not giving Fairfield room to get back into the game on defense was one of the Rams’ main goals throughout the game, according to Siegle.
“Our main focus was to get ahead and stay ahead,” she said. “And I think everyone really took on that mindset, particularly in the second half because everyone really wanted that first win.”
The team will take the field next on April 23-24, where they will participate in the National Field Hockey League (NFHL) Spring Tournament in Virginia Beach, Va. Rhody will also play one final time at Meade Stadium on April 30 in their season finale, which also serves as senior night for the team’s graduating class.
Until then, Siegle says the team’s focus will be to focus and improve as much as possible before making the trip down to Virginia.
“For these next couple weeks, we are just going to be focusing at practice, honing our skills and getting ready to go down there and do some damage,” she said.