Field Hockey Falls to Radford in NorPac Tournament, 4-1
11/2/2006 5:02:26 PM | Field Hockey
Lauren Biggers
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Junior forward Ginnie Friddell scored the Wildcats' lone goal, as No. 4 Davidson suffered a 4-1 loss to the fifth-seeded Radford Highlanders in the opening round of the 2006 NorPac Field Hockey Conference Championship. The 'Cats, who fall to 8-12 on the season, will take on No. 3 Pacific in the consolation game tomorrow at 11 a.m.
In the second opening-round game, No. 6 seeded Appalachian State (2-16) scored their first win over a Division I opponent this season with the 3-2 upset over the Tigers (10-8) to advance to the semifinals.
As Davidson opened tournament play against Radford (6-14), it was the Highlanders who struck first, as Tiffany Church put Radford on the board in the 18th minute of play.
Friddell's goal knotted the score in the 31st minute on an assist from junior forward Eleanor Cowley, but Radford scored three unanswered goals to put the 'Cats away for good.
"It was a disappointing loss," head coach Lisa Thompson said. "We just didn't perform. We just didn't play to the best of our abilities."
With Davidson hoping to get to the break with the score even at 1-1, Radford was awarded a penalty corner with no time left on the clock. Emily Jones took advantage, assisted on the corner from Kiera Gambeski and Church, to give the Highlanders a 2-1 edge entering the second half.
With the momentum in their favor, the Highlanders added their third goal of the game in the first minute of the second half to take complete control. Stephanie McLamb added the final goal in the 54th minute, as Church picked up her second assist.
Senior keeper Rachel Kiselewich spent 60:20 in goal for the 'Cats, making six saves against four goals, while sophomore Brittany Rollek played the final 9:40 for Davidson.
Megan Stucke picked up the win for the Highlanders, allowing just one goal and making one save in 70 minutes in goal.
Radford held a 15-5 edge in shots and took 11 corners to just two for Davidson.
Davidson will face No. 6 seeded Pacific in the consolation game at 11 a.m. tomorrow. After Davidson and Pacific battle, No. 5 Radford will take on No. 1 California (14-4) at 1:30 p.m. in the first semifinal game, and Appalachian will face No. 2 Stanford (8-9)at 4 p.m. in the second.
