University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
(5-2)
VCU
(2-3)
Minutewomen Open A-10 Play With Shutout Win Over VCU
September 20, 2024 | Field Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. -- Massachusetts (5-2) secured it's first Atlantic 10 victory and second shutout of the season, claiming a 2-0 victory over VCU (2-3) on Friday at Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex. The Minutewomen withstood 11 penalty corners, as Myrte van Herwijnen recorded seven saves en route to the win.
Graduate defenders Elena Cloconeanu and Paula Lorenzini helped power the Minutewomen on both sides of the field, each scoring their third goal of the season while leading the Massachusetts backline defensively. Cloconeanu has now scored in back-to-back contests after netting a clutch equalizer in last weekend's matchup with UMass Lowell.
Freshman Elani Sherwood recorded at least one point for her fifth consecutive game, firing a pinpoint assist across the baseline to Cloconeanu for the game's first goal. Van Herwijnen notched her fifth win in goal, saving all seven shots faced on goal and holding strong in multiple penalty corner situations.
Breaking Down The Action
- The first quarter ended in a defensive deadlock; Massachusetts recorded two shots in the period, but the first 15 minutes ended 0-0.
- The second quarter remained a stalemate on the scoreboard as Massachusetts was out shot 4-3, but kept the score tied at 0-0 after 30 minutes.
- The Minutewomen began the third quarter with two strong attempts on net from Campbell and Danahy.
- Cloconeanu broke the ice, burying a beautiful pass from Sherwood to put the Minutewomen on the board first.
- The Minutewomen weathered a storm of four consecutive penalty corners right before the end of the third quarter to maintain a 1-0 advantage heading into the final period.
- Paula Lorenzini kicked off the fourth quarter by converting a penalty corner, giving the Minutewomen some insurance, making it 2-0 with 11:12 remaining in regulation.
- The Rams totaled 16 shots on the afternoon and three in the final period, but could not break through the Massachusetts back line, the final whistle sounding with the score 2-0.
Notable Numbers
- 2: Two Minutewomen scored across the game: Lorenzini and Cloconeanu
- 3: Cloconeanu and Lorenzini each scored their third goal of the season.
- 5: Massachusetts earned its fifth win of the 2024 season.
- 5: With a assist on the day Sherwood has now registered a point in five straight games.
- 13: Sherwood still leads the team with 13 points on the season.
Series History
- With the win, Massachusetts now holds a12-6 advantage all-time against the Rams.
Up Next
- UMass completes its three-game homestand hosting Quinnipiac on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. for Alumni Day at The Chuk. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and can be followed live on umassathletics.com or UMassFH on Twitter.
Team Stats
Cloconeanu, Elena (3)
Assisted By: Sherwood, Elani
bottom left corner off of long baseline
41:23
Lorenzini, Paula (3)
Assisted By: De Gast, Hannah , Acquaviva, Izzy
converted PC into bottom left corner
48:48
