ASHLAND, Va. – The Yellow Jackets emerged victorious over Bridgewater, 3-2, after
Lynn Giesken (Yorktown, Va./Tabb) and
Kylee Gorham (Suffolk, Va./Lakeland) were able to convert in the penalty shootout.
Score: Randolph-Macon 3, Bridgewater 2
Venue: Nunnally Field at Randolph-Macon College
Records: Randolph-Macon (9-5, 3-2 ODAC), Bridgewater (6-8, 3-3 ODAC)
How it Happened
- The game opened with a fast pace, as each team recorded two shots and one corner each in the first four minutes of play, including a shot on goal from Breea Dresler (Yorktown, Va./Tabb). Bridgewater then started to gain momentum, firing three shots in a one-minute span, with two shots coming off of two penalty corners. After a successful defensive stand from Randolph-Macon, both teams only recorded one shot a piece in the final seven minutes of the quarter, keeping the game scoreless after one frame of play.
- The Eagles took a 1-0 lead to begin the second quarter, with Autumn Just scoring 90 second into the frame. After the Eagles fired a shot wide, the Yellow Jackets applied the pressure, tallying three shots and a penalty corner in the same offensive possession, with two off the stick of Courtney Moodie (Hummelstown, Pa./Hershey). Despite Moodie's squad showing resilience, the Yellow Jackets still trailed the Eagles, 1-0 heading into halftime.
- The Lemon and Black came out of halftime on the attack, registering three shots, including two on goal, in the first two minutes. After the pressure, neither team recorded a shot for a five-minute stretch, until Moodie tallied her fourth shot after RMC's first penalty corner of the quarter. The Yellow Jackets earned two more penalty corners in the final two minutes of the frame. While Hailey Swartzbaugh (Poquoson, Va./Poquoson) put a shot on the cage that was saved with a minute remaining, Dresler was able to even the game 1-1, with Moodie picking up the assist.
- RMC continued its momentum into the final frame, posting back-to-back shots in the first minute. Then, after Dresler fired two consecutive shots, Moodie found Samantha Major (Newport News, Va./Menchville) for her second goal of the season, putting the Yellow Jackets up, 2-1 with five minutes remaining. After Bridgewater committed four consecutive fouls in the closing minutes, Lexi Francis was able to even the game 2-2 for BC, as a result of three shots and a penalty corner in the final minute of play.
- The home team emerged on the offense first, earning the first penalty corner in overtime. Bridgewater countered with two of their own, with Valentina Ambrogi-Torres (Richmond, Va./Trinity Episcopal School) making two clutch saves. Despite the saves, the Eagles retained their momentum, firing another shot after earning their third penalty corner of OT. Despite RMC getting one more offensive opportunity, the game remained tied at two heading into the second overtime period.
- Bridgewater started the second overtime frame with two shots, including one on goal and they could not convert on the penalty corner. After the offensive spurt over the course of the first half of the period, each team was able to get one more shot on goal, as Moodie tallied her fifth shot. The game remained scoreless, as Ambrogi-Torres' last save sent the game to a penalty shootout.
- In the penalty shootout, Ambrogi-Torres held the opposition scoreless though all four attempts. Both Giesken and Gorham were able to convert, helping to elevate the Yellow Jackets to a 3-2 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Randolph-Macon out-shot Bridgewater, 24-21, including 12-5 in the second half.
- RMC held the slight advantage in penalty corners, generating nine compared to eight from BC.
- The Yellow Jackets have now recorded 20-or-more shots in five of their last seven games.
- Dresler recorded a game-high eight shots, her second highest in a single game this season.
- Moodie tallied two assists in the contest. This is the first time this season she has recorded a multi-assist game.
- Major's goal was the second of the season but also the third of her career.
- Grace Oates (Poquoson, Va./Poquoson) made her fifth defensive save of the season. Her defensive save was the only of the night for the Yellow Jackets, as she leads the team in the category.
For the Record
- The last time the Lemon and Black competed in a penalty shootout was in 2023, in which they beat Bridgewater, 2-1 at home.
Up Next
The Yellow Jackets return to the road, as they head to Winchester, Virginia, to face No. 17 Shenandoah on Saturday, October 25, at 5:00 p.m.
