Jones’ Hat Trick Propels UMW to Blow Out Victory
3 min read
By BRANDY SIMPSON
The University of Mary Washington women’s field hockey team put on an offensive show this past Sunday, Oct. 30, as the Lady Eagles defeated Stevenson University 6-0 in the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament. The latest win for the No. 19 Eagles boosted them to 15-4 overall on the season, while the loss ended the struggling Mustangs season with a record of 6-14.
The ball was controlled for much of the opening half by UMW, as the Eagles attempted 15 shots in the first frame compared to just two attempts for Stevenson. However, the Mustangs defense was able to fend off the unrelenting Eagles offense for a majority of the first half, as Stevenson goalie Kelsi Zimmerman recorded 11 first half saves.
“We had two days off due to inclement weather, so it took us awhile to get going,” senior Morgan Jones said.
It would be Jones who salvaged the first half for the Eagles, as she scored the first goal of the game with just a little over 20 seconds left before intermission. Sophomore Caitlin Baker set up the scoring strike, as she crossed a ball from the right side of the field over to Jones, who ripped it past the previously impenetrable defense of Zimmerman.
The Eagles continued to unleash a barrage of shots once play resumed in the second half. Though this go around UMW was much more successful in their attempts, piling up five goals after the break. Jones upped the score to 2-0, with a goal in the 42nd minute to open the half that was again assisted by Baker. Just over five minutes later, Baker got a goal of her own, as she placed a beautiful shot in the 54th minute that brought the score to 3-0. Jones, junior Lisa Charney, and Baker all added goals as the game wore on, allowing Mary Washington to exit with a convincing 6-0 win.
“Although we came out a little slow, we picked it up and it was a good first win,” Baker said. “It was pretty exciting and it set us up in a good position for the playoffs.”
In total, Jones led with three goals, Baker had two goals and two assists, and Charney had one goal. Sophomore Mallory Peebles also added one assist, while junior Claire Gianelle recorded a team-high four saves at goalkeeper.
The win over Stevenson proved to be a record-breaking game for Jones, who now holds the UMW record for most goals in a single season with 24. Former Eagles’ All-American Jessica Morris had held the record of 23 goals since 2001, but Jones’ third goal of the game pushed her past Morris’ mark and etched her own name in the record books.
Neither Baker or Jones are dwelling too much on Sunday’s win, but instead have their sights focused on their CAC Tournament Semifinals match against Wesley College. The Eagles lost their only regular season meeting with Wesley, 4-3, in penalty strokes.
“I’m out for blood,” Jones said. “They beat us in overtime in strokes last game and I’m ready for revenge.”
UMW got their shot at Wesley last night, but the Eagles fell to the Wolverines 1-0. UMW still has a chance at an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.
