October 6, 2008
FARMVILLE, Va. - After a disappointing 2-1 loss to conference foe Radford on October 5, the Lancers will get a much needed rest before hosting VCU on Saturday. The Lancers held on tight against the Highlanders, taking the game into overtime despite being out-shot 32-3. Senior Erin West had the game of her life, stopping 25 Highlander shots, while only allowing one goal. West was equally as strong during penalty strokes, stopping three of the first five she faced, forcing a second strokes period.
Earlier in the week the Lancers faced a tough test as then #1 Wake Forest came to the Athletics Complex. The Lancers started strong against the Demon Deacons, trying the game up 1-1 at one point during the first half. The Lancers headed into halftime down 2-1, but in good spirits. The second half of action saw the fatigue catch-up to the Lancers who had faced then #5 North Carolina the day prior.
SCHEDULE:
Saturday, Oct. 11 - Longwood vs. VCU, 1 p.m.
LAST WEEKEND:
Monday, Sept. 29 - Longwood 1, #1 Wake Forest 4
Sunday, Oct. 5 - Longwood 1, Radford 2 (SO)
WHO TO WATCH: Erin West has been a force to be reckoned with for the Lancers this season, helping organize the Lancers spectacular defense, while also holding strong in between the posts. After her performances against North Carolina and Wake Forest, West appears to be getting stronger and more confident as the season progresses. Against Radford, West played outside of herself, keeping her team in the game as long as she could.
SERIES RECORD:
Longwood vs. VCU:?8-13
LAST MEETING:
Longwood vs. VCU: Longwood defeated VCU last season 3-1
QUOTABLE:
Head Coach Iain Byers on last week: It’s been a tough week for us. First we take on North Carolina and then Wake Forest the very next day. I give credit to our girls for staying positive and upbeat. They understand that we need games like those in order to allow our team to grow. The Radford game was honestly another tough test for us, as we had to play on grass, which is a surface we’re not use to. I think given the situation, we could have played better, but we did well to keep the game close. Erin West was absolutely amazing for us and I couldn’t be prouder.
Byers on this week: We’re familiar with VCU?but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a tough test. It’ll be nice for us to have some rest heading into the game, especially after last week. I?look for us to get things back on track and continue to play our brand of field hockey. We’ll be at home, which is always a benefit. It should be an exciting game.
Byers on the team up to this point: We have put in some good performances and we’ve put in some bad ones. It’s all about what you take away from each of those. Our teams confidence continues to grow, which will be important heading into post season. We know that we don’t have time to dwell on loses or celebrate victories for extended periods of time. We need to remain focused on the task at hand - to win a NorPac Championship.
Week #1: August 25-September 1
Week #2: September 1-September 8
Week #3: September 8-September 15
Week #4: September 15-September 22
Week #5: September 22-September 29
Week #6: September 29-October 6
