University of Delaware Athletics
#15 Duke Scores Three Second Half Goals to Outduel the University of Delaware, 5-2, in Non-Conference Field Hockey Action
9/3/2011 10:05:00 PM | Field Hockey
NEWARK, Del. - - A second half comeback fell short for the University of Delaware field hockey team as Duke posted a 5-2 victory to give the Blue Hens their first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon at Rullo Stadium.
Delaware (2-1) was out matched in the first half by the number 15 ranked Duke (2-1) team, according to the Kookaburra / National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll, as the Blue Devils went into the half leading 2-0.
The Blue Devils outshot the Blue Hens 13-1 in the opening half, but Delaware goalkeeper Noelle Diana made six saves to keep the visitors off the scoreboard until the 28th minute.
After the halftime break, freshman Kelsey McKee (above right) got the Hens on the board and back into the game just after the five-minute mark. Carley Hecht was the inserter on the penalty corner who slid a pass to Heather Hartman at the top of the circle. Hartman stick-stopped a perfect ball to McKee who went above a sprawled Duke goalkeeper Samantha Nelson in cage.
Duke responded with two goals in the next nine minutes however, deflating the chance of a comeback by the Blue Hens.
Mary Nielsen gave Duke a 3-1 lead 10:23 into the second half with a tip in off a penalty corner shot. Rhian Jones blasted a low shot from the striker position on the corner and Nielsen was ready with her stick on the ground, deflecting the shot up and over Diana into the net for her second goal of the season.
Jessica Buttinger made it 4-1 with her second goal of the game three minutes later, with some help from the Delaware defense. Dribbling down the right end line, Buttinger put the ball in front with a shot, and got a deflection from a Blue Hen defender, and into the back of the cage for the goal.
Tory Sharpless pulled the Hens to within 4-2 with her third goal of the season not even a minute later. Nicole Onorato set up the play nicely with a maneuver at the top of the circle, and a low blast to the far post. Her shot rang off the post and right to the stick of Sharpless who stuffed it home into the open net.
Emmie Le Marchand closed the scoring on the afternoon in the 54th minute, closing the door on any comeback bid. Off another penalty corner, Brenna Rescigno took a shot that deflected off the foot of a Delaware defender. No call was made due to Duke advantage as the ball went right to the stick of Le Marchand who was able to beat Diana stick side.
Delaware was outshot 25-7 by the ACC powerhouse, and earned fewer penalty corners (10-6) on the afternoon.
Diana made 10 stops for the Blue Hens while Nelson needed to only make one save.
The Blue Hens return to Rullo Stadium for a matchup against Villanova on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. The Blue Devils will play an early matchup against Colonial Athletic Association foe Drexel at 11:30 a.m.
AGATE:
#15 Duke def. Delaware, 5-2
#15 Duke…2…3…5
Delaware…0…2…2
Scoring Summary: First Half – Duke – Jessica Buttinger (2), 27:43; Duke – Emmie Le Marchand (2), 32:36; Second Half – Delaware – Kelsey McKee (3) (Carley Hecht, Heather Hartman), 40:43; Duke – Mary Nielsen (2) (Rhian Jones), 45:23; Duke – Jessica Buttinger (3), 48:47; Delaware – Tory Sharpless (3), 49:41; Duke – Emmie Le Marchand (3), 53:09.
Shots: Duke 25, Delaware 7; Penalty Corners: Duke 10, Delaware 6; Saves: Duke 1 (Nelson), Delaware 10 (Diana).
