No. 12 Hornets Pull Away from Marlins in Second Half

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The No. 12 ranked Lynchburg College field hockey team scored seven goals in the second half to spoil an upset bid by Virginia Wesleyan in an 8-0 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) game Saturday afternoon.

The loss ends a three-game winning streak for the field hockey team as the Marlins had not lost since October 8.

The lone goal of the first half came at 13:55 when Lynchburg was awarded a penalty stroke. Nicole Simpao scored on the attempt, giving her four stroke goals on the year in as many chances.

Virginia Wesleyan's defense kept the Hornets off the board the remainder of the first half. The Marlins had several chances to stun Lynchburg throughout the first 35 minutes as VWC managed to force some turnovers and move the ball up the turf.

Lynchburg's defense proved to be stout in the circle, keeping the Marlins just outside so a shot could not be attempted.

Kayla Copeman, Morgan Lammando, and Sydney Rampey all added two scores in the second half while Meredith Bradsher scored an unassisted tally. Lacey Elliott had a pair of assists in the final 35 minutes to lead the way.

The Marlins continued to pressure the Hornets when they had the ball, managing seven shots on the afternoon with three of them coming on goal. All three attempts were saved by the Hornets as Beka Hess made one stop and Sarah Suter added a pair for Lynchburg (11-2/3-1).

Skye Swain finished with 11 saves for VWC while Morgan Lee made two defensive saves, a personal best for the sophomore. Virginia Wesleyan had just one defensive save all season coming in to Saturday's play.

Virginia Wesleyan (5-10/1-2) return home Wednesday for a 5 p.m. ODAC matchup with Bridgewater College (5-7/2-1).