Field Hockey triumphs in CAA

The Hens confidently returned from Virginia this weekend with two big wins, earning them a 7-2 (2-0 Colonial Athletic Association) record. First, the Hens beat VCU (5-2, 0-1 CAA) Friday afternoon, 3-2, in their third-straight overtime victory against the Rams. Then on Sunday, they became the first CAA team to defeat James Madison University since 2007, ending a 14-game winning streak in the conference with a 2-1 decision. Casey Howard scored the game-winning goal against the No. 14-ranked JMU during the 17th minute, snapping a four-game losing streak to the Dukes.
The Hens have put together a powerful, diffuse offense this season. Alexis Esbitt scored the game-winner against VCU and Casey Howard and Rae Everson each contributed goals. Assists on the Howard’s goal came from Everson and standout Missy Woodie. In the JMU game, Tori Karsten and Howard netted goals assisted by Esbitt and Schlezes, respectively. Both teams had 8 shots in the JMU game—but the Hens made theirs count.
It’s not just offense that’s winning the Hens’ games. The Delaware defense held off powerhouse JMU’s 5-0 shot advantage and a 9-0 edge in penalty corners during the second half on Sunday.
Howard’s performance this weekend earned her the seventh spot on the university’s career goals list and a No. 2-ranking in the CAA for goals scored, total points and game-winning goals. Woodie leads the conference with six assists in nine games. Last week, She was selected CAA Co-Player of the Week, which she shared with Old Dominion University’s Katie Ueberroth.
With their seventh win the Hens hit yet another benchmark on the return to their 2004 conference-winning success. Like this season, in 2004 the Hens opened conference play with games against JMU, VCU, ODU and William and Mary. In 2004, the Hens dropped the ODU and Tribe games, so wins this week could put them in even better shape for a conference title than they were in back then.
The Hens will host their next two games against Old Dominion and William & Mary on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The Hens are undefeated at home but ODU may give them some trouble. The No. 15 Lady Monarchs just beat No. 10 Duke in overtime 3-2 on Sunday. Delaware has a 0-7 record against Old Dominion. The Hens have beaten the Tribe for three straight years. A shootout decided last year’s game, let’s hope another win is in store for them.