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Field Hockey 9.22.2012

Branco's Goal Not Enough as @Towson_FH Falls to VCU

TOWSON, Md. – Despite getting a goal from sophomore forward Courtney Branco, the Towson field hockey team fell to Virginia Commonwealth, 4-1, Friday evening at Johnny Unitas® Stadium.

The win keeps the Rams unbeaten this season as they improve to 7-0. The loss drops Towson to 0-8 as the Tigers get set for the opening of Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play.

Despite falling behind early, Towson played VCU even in the second half, with each team netting a goal apiece. The Rams increased their 3-0 halftime lead by adding a goal at the 55:27 mark when senior Kelsey Scherrer deflected a corner shot from classmate Melanie Marotta into the back of the cage.

The Tigers defense tightened up the rest of the way and the offense broke through in the 65th minute. Towson took possession off a VCU turnover and raced the length of the field. Junior Caitie Barnwell took the ball inside the circle and left it for Branco, who beat the VCU keeper to the right to net the lone goal of the game for the Tigers.

The Rams outshot the Tigers, 14-11, and earned 11 penalty corners to Towson's six.

The Tigers dominated possession early in the first half, garnering three penalty corners and getting off a pair of quality shots, all within the first four minutes of play. However, Towson couldn't find the back of the cage and VCU took advantage minutes later by tallying its first score of the game.

VCU's Meaghan Neylon scored on one of the Rams' five first half penalty corner chances. She was followed just over four minutes later when Scherrer dribbled through a pair of Tiger defenders to score and put the Rams up 2-0.

Just before halftime, VCU's Chelsea Hill blasted a shot from just inside the circle and it was deflected by Arialle Hess to send the Rams into the intermission up 3-0.

Towson returns to action on Sunday as the Tigers welcome James Madison to Unitas Stadium for a 12 p.m. game. The contest will be the CAA opener for Towson, while the Dukes fell to No. 23 Drexel Friday in their first league game.

-TowsonTigers.com-

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