The University of Mary Washington field hockey team caged the first three goals of the game to go on to defeat Rhodes College, 3-1, on Sunday in Newport News, Va. at Christopher Newport University. The Eagles improve to 3-6 on the season.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles reached the scoreboard at 21:33, as senior Lauren Hopkins scored her sixth goal of the season on an assist from sophomore Jess Smith. The Eagles held a 1-0 lead to halftime.
In the third quarter, thee Eagles broke the game open. Just 3:25 into play, junior Bella Urcia scored on an assist from sophomore Sydney Keating. Keating entry ball was tipped in by Urcia from up close. Two minutes and 30 seconds later, Emma Stewart scored on a pass from senior Lexie Dixson, deflecting in to provide the Eagles with a 3-0 lead.
Rhodes scored midway through the fourth quarter to run the finals core to 3-1. The Eagles led in shots, 17-15, while Rhodes led in penalty corners, 7-4. UMW sophomore goalie Jillian Lawrence made nine saves in capturing the win.
The Eagles will return home to host Roanoke College on Monday at 4 p.m.