SALEM, Va. --- Roanoke College field hockey picked up its first victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Virginia Wesleyan College 3-1. The Maroons improve to 1-3 overall, 1-0 in ODAC play while the Marlins fall to 0-4, 0-1.
The Roanoke win also marks the first in new head coach Lacey Pustizzi's career.
“It still hasn't sunk in that has victory happened,” explained Pustizzi following the game. “But today was all about our team stepping up and giving us our first victory. As soon as the buzzer sounded, I was thinking about our next match against Sweet Briar.”
Roanoke got a stellar effort from senior Lindsey Paz. The Maroons goalkeeper recorded 16 saves on the afternoon and helped the RC defense hold Virginia Wesleyan scoreless on each of its 26 penalty corners.
“Today, Lindsey Paz did everything right,” Coach Pustizzi said. “She was an unsung hero. But in the end, this was a whole team, whole staff victory.”
The Marlins dominated ball control in the first half of action and went into the break with a 1-0. Katie Melzac registered the VWC goal in the 17th minute.
Roanoke hit the field with much more intensity in the second 35 minutes of play, notching three unanswered goals. Senior Leeanne Clark started the scoring with the game-tying goal in the 42nd minute. Classmate Liz Hudson put the Maroons ahead with her first goal of the season, also an unassisted effort nearly 11 minutes into the second half.
Freshman Gia Boscola picked up her first collegiate goal and third for the Roanoke in the 55th minute, slotting home her shot after receiving a pass from fellow first year play, Jessica Perkins.
The Maroons are back in action on Tuesday, September 18, as they travel to Sweet Briar College. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. in Sweet Briar.
