SPORTS
Field Hockey Drops Home Opener vs. Ohio University
DAVIDSON — First-year Davidson field hockey coach Zoe Almquist saw signs of progress in the Wildcats’ home opener Friday night at Belk Turf Field, despite the 3-0 setback to Ohio.
Throughout, she saw the structure and playing style she wants to be a staple of her program going forward.
“That’s the best we’ve played,” said Almquist. “Credit to Ohio. Their goals were beautiful, but I felt like we were right in it. We’re moving in the right direction, and that’s exciting to see. Now, it’s a matter of finishing.”
One of the most promising aspects was her team’s performance on penalty corners. Ohio earned 10 of them, but none of the Bobcats’ scores came on corners, a point of emphasis for Almquist and her staff.
“That’s huge for our defensive corner unit,” she said.
The Wildcats’ best scoring opportunity came in the closing seconds when freshman Molly Firr put a shot on goal. Bobcat keeper Nele Graner was there to save it with 13 seconds left.
Davidson’s Sarah Zeszotarski made eight stops in the cage.
“Sarah, I thought, played an amazing game,” said Almquist.
Kendall Ballard had a goal and an assist to lead the Bobcats. Emma Spinetto and Brittany Keen scored in the first period to give Ohio the 2-0 lead it held at the intermission.
Up Next
Davidson plays its next five on the road and travels to Boone Sunday to face Appalachian State in a 12 p.m. contest.