NEWS

 

DAVIDSON — A three-goal first half and tight defense throughout helped the Davidson field hockey team post a 4-1 non-conference win over Ball State Sunday at Belk Turf Field.

It’s the Wildcats’ fourth victory of the season.

“I think today showed the level I know we’re capable of playing at, so that is really encouraging,” said coach Zoe Almquist.” We did a lot to set the tone right from the get-go, earning a corner 26 seconds in, having sustained attack, and at the same time, our defense played really well just defending our circle.”

Charlie Kabelac scored two goals, taking her team-leading total to seven, while Evie Lake got the Wildcats started with a goal at the 13:24 mark of the first quarter. Kabelac’s first goal made it 2-0 with less than five minutes to play in the first half before Natalie Naticchia’s goal with 31 seconds left made it 3-0 at the break.

After Ball State scored in the third quarter and built some momentum, Kabelac helped the Wildcats close the door with less than five minutes to play in the fourth. Caroline Wack and Sarah Grace Clifton had two assists apiece, while Celie Constantine added one.

The defensive effort was boosted by goalkeeper Amani Sodhi, who made her second career start Sunday, after starting on Senior Day two weeks ago. Sodhi made three saves, including one in a one-on-one situation in the third quarter. But more than that, Almquist said Sodhi set the tone with her demeanor, decision-making and execution.

“I think Amani really embodied that today, in terms of knowing what needed to be done in the moment and doing it,” said Almquist. “That’s senior leadership, really, at its finest. Just extremely proud of that.”

Up Next
Davidson will travel to face Atlantic 10 Conference foe Saint Louis next Friday.