University of Lynchburg

ASHLAND, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg field hockey team opened Old Dominion Athletic Conference play with a 3-1 victory over Randolph-Macon on Saturday afternoon.

The Hornets improved to 6-5 overall and 1-0 in conference play, using a pair of fourth-quarter goals from Sofia Boon to break a 1-1 deadlock and secure the road victory. 

Lynchburg established its attack early, generating eight shots and five penalty corners in the opening quarter. Khanyisile Mzizi broke through for the game's first goal, finishing a chance off a penalty corner to put the Hornets in front.

Randolph-Macon answered later in the period when Kylee Gorham found the back of the cage off an assist from Janne Roelink, sending the contest into the second quarter tied at one.

The Hornets continued to apply pressure before halftime, outshooting the Yellow Jackets 7-3 during the second quarter. Lynchburg placed six attempts on goal in the frame, but Randolph-Macon goalkeeper Valentina Ambrogi-Torres kept the visitors off the board to preserve the tie.

Lynchburg maintained the advantage in possession and opportunities during the third quarter, producing six shots and five more penalty corners. The Hornets were again unable to find the go-ahead goal, while Shay Schoones turned aside three Randolph-Macon attempts to keep the game level entering the final period. 

Boon changed the complexion of the contest early in the fourth, scoring twice in quick succession to give Lynchburg a 3-1 advantage. Her first goal put the Hornets back in front before she struck again shortly afterward, this time with Mzizi providing the assist.

Randolph-Macon increased the pressure down the stretch, recording seven shots in the fourth quarter. Schoones made five saves in the period, while the Yellow Jackets also sent a penalty stroke wide as Lynchburg protected its two-goal advantage.

The Hornets finished with a 23-19 edge in shots and a 14-6 advantage in penalty corners. Mzizi led Lynchburg with 12 shots, eight on goal, one goal and one assist, while Boon scored on both of her attempts. Schoones finished with 13 saves while allowing just one goal. 

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--LYN--