Temple University Athletics
Tuesday, October 20
Norfolk, Va.
12:00 p.m.
Temple University
(4-12/1-2)
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at
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Old Dominion
(8-5/1-2)
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2
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Temple
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Old Dominion
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Photo by: Ken Light
Field Hockey Upsets #12 Old Dominion, 1-0
10.20.15 | Field Hockey
NORFOLK, Va. - Behind a goal from senior Sarah Deck and an impressive game in the cage for senior Haley Mitchell, Temple field hockey earned a 1-0 upset win on the road at #12 Old Dominion on Tuesday afternoon. Mitchell made 10 saves to record the shutout win and give the Owls their first BIG EAST Conference victory.
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Owls, who now stand at 4-12 overall and 1-2 in conference play. ODU is also 1-2 in the BIG EAST, and 8-5 overall.
"It was a full team contribution today," said Temple head coach Marybeth Freeman. "The energy and the focus we had before and during this game honestly put us in position to be successful today. We've been saying all year how we have the talent and the skill set, but in fighting the way we fought today, we were able to combine belief and skill."
Deck's goal at the midway point of the first half proved to be the game-winner, with the Owls' entire defensive unit holding strong the rest of the way. Mitchell made eight of her 10 saves in the second half, including four in the final 10 minutes. The Monarchs earned a total of 11 penalty corners, but Temple held off every one of them.
"That was some of the best goalkeeping I've seen in Division I hockey," said Freeman of Mitchell's performance. "She came up with some stellar reflex skill saves, diving plays, and was very sound on defensive penalty corners as was our entire defensive penalty corner unit. I was really pleased with the leadership in our backfield. Haley, along with the other backs, did an excellent job maintaining composure against a very talented and skillful ODU team."
Total shots in the game favored ODU 21-4, but three of Temple's shots were on goal. The Owls earned three corners in each half but were never able to capitalize after the very first.
The Owls earned that corner near the 17-minute mark of the first half, and their first shot of the game resulted in a goal. Deck took the shot from the top of the circle on a pass from senior Rachel Steinman, and Temple's 1-0 lead would stand throughout the contest.
Mitchell made a pair of saves in the opening period to keep the Monarchs scoreless. ODU took seven total shots, but just two on goal. While Temple recorded just the single shot for the half, the Owls' backfield found plenty of success in taking away chances from ODU and getting the ball up the field.
Temple had back-to-back corners in the 24th minute of the half, but the Owls weren't able to execute their planned set pieces and didn't get off a shot on either opportunity.
The Owls found themselves on the defensive more often in the second half, but found a way to thwart every ODU opportunity.
For Freeman, it was not only her first BIG EAST win but also a win against her alma mater.
"They were ranked #12 for a reason," she said. "They are talented, fast and well-coached. As much as I give them credit for their season and what they've been able to accomplish, I give us credit for being able to put our words into action today. It's full-circle, being back where it all started for me. The majority of what I know about field hockey I know from my time here, which I'm so thankful for. To be able to come back and display a good quality performance on behalf of Temple, I couldn't be more proud."
Temple's next game is its last at home in 2015. The Owls will celebrate Senior Day and honor their 10-member senior class prior to playing Georgetown at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Box Score (PDF)
To invest in Temple Athletics and enhance the experience for our Field Hockey student-athletes, make a gift to the Owl Club today by clicking here.
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The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Owls, who now stand at 4-12 overall and 1-2 in conference play. ODU is also 1-2 in the BIG EAST, and 8-5 overall.
"It was a full team contribution today," said Temple head coach Marybeth Freeman. "The energy and the focus we had before and during this game honestly put us in position to be successful today. We've been saying all year how we have the talent and the skill set, but in fighting the way we fought today, we were able to combine belief and skill."
Deck's goal at the midway point of the first half proved to be the game-winner, with the Owls' entire defensive unit holding strong the rest of the way. Mitchell made eight of her 10 saves in the second half, including four in the final 10 minutes. The Monarchs earned a total of 11 penalty corners, but Temple held off every one of them.
"That was some of the best goalkeeping I've seen in Division I hockey," said Freeman of Mitchell's performance. "She came up with some stellar reflex skill saves, diving plays, and was very sound on defensive penalty corners as was our entire defensive penalty corner unit. I was really pleased with the leadership in our backfield. Haley, along with the other backs, did an excellent job maintaining composure against a very talented and skillful ODU team."
Total shots in the game favored ODU 21-4, but three of Temple's shots were on goal. The Owls earned three corners in each half but were never able to capitalize after the very first.
The Owls earned that corner near the 17-minute mark of the first half, and their first shot of the game resulted in a goal. Deck took the shot from the top of the circle on a pass from senior Rachel Steinman, and Temple's 1-0 lead would stand throughout the contest.
Mitchell made a pair of saves in the opening period to keep the Monarchs scoreless. ODU took seven total shots, but just two on goal. While Temple recorded just the single shot for the half, the Owls' backfield found plenty of success in taking away chances from ODU and getting the ball up the field.
Temple had back-to-back corners in the 24th minute of the half, but the Owls weren't able to execute their planned set pieces and didn't get off a shot on either opportunity.
The Owls found themselves on the defensive more often in the second half, but found a way to thwart every ODU opportunity.
For Freeman, it was not only her first BIG EAST win but also a win against her alma mater.
"They were ranked #12 for a reason," she said. "They are talented, fast and well-coached. As much as I give them credit for their season and what they've been able to accomplish, I give us credit for being able to put our words into action today. It's full-circle, being back where it all started for me. The majority of what I know about field hockey I know from my time here, which I'm so thankful for. To be able to come back and display a good quality performance on behalf of Temple, I couldn't be more proud."
Temple's next game is its last at home in 2015. The Owls will celebrate Senior Day and honor their 10-member senior class prior to playing Georgetown at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Box Score (PDF)
To invest in Temple Athletics and enhance the experience for our Field Hockey student-athletes, make a gift to the Owl Club today by clicking here.
Â
Team Stats
TU
ODU
Goals
1
0
Shots
4
21
Shots on Goal
3
10
Saves
10
2
Corners
6
11
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
0
0
Scoring Plays
DECK, Sarah (7)
Assisted By: STEINMAN, Rachel
penalty corner
17:05
Game Leaders
Shots
3
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
f/m
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
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