LEXINGTON, Va. – The Washington and Lee University field hockey team fell to 15th-ranked Shenandoah University in a dramatic 2-1 shootout loss on Wednesday night at W&L Turf Field. The game remained tied 1-1 through regulation and double overtime, but Shenandoah secured the win with a 2-1 advantage in the shootout.

The Generals (7-3, 1-1 ODAC) dominated the game statistically, outshooting the Hornets (8-2, 1-0 ODAC) 25-12 and earning 11 penalty corners to Shenandoah's five. However, W&L was unable to capitalize on key opportunities to break the tie in both regulation and overtime.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• 34:19 – Shenandoah – Mairead McKibbin opened the scoring with an unassisted goal, putting the Hornets up 1-0. McKibbin rounded up a loose ball after a Maddy Duggleby defensive save to break the scoreless draw to open up the third period. 
• 48:03 – W&L – A Margaret Cover deflection tied the game with a goal off a feed from Jenna Bernstein, sending the game to overtime.

Despite generating numerous chances in both overtime periods, including eight shots and five penalty corners, the Generals couldn't find the back of the net. Shenandoah goalkeeper Taylor Swann made several crucial saves, finishing with five in total, while the Hornets' defense held strong against W&L's relentless pressure.

In the shootout, Shenandoah edged out W&L 2-1. Julia McDonald made two saves during the initial five attempts, with SU having two opportunities recalled due to offensive interference with McDonald. Mairead McKibbin scored for SU, while Anne Burns Fiveash was the only W&L player to convert her attempt. McDonald then followed up Fiveash's score and made a crucial stop to extend the shootout.

Camryn DeLeva, whose first attempt was recalled for interference, redeemed herself by scoring the decisive goal to secure the win for Shenandoah.

SHOOTOUT SUMMARY

• First Five 

  • W&L – Margaret Cover – Missed (saved by Taylor Swann)
  • SU – Farren Winter – Missed (saved by Julia McDonald)
  • W&L – Betty Boatwright – Missed (saved by Taylor Swann)
  • SU – Mairead McKibbin – Scored (SU leads 1-0)
  • W&L – Sydney Baggett – Missed (saved by Taylor Swann)
  • SU – Claudia Lenahan – Missed (Penalty - Made Contact with the Goalie)
  • W&L – Zoe Dolfis – Missed (Wide Left)
  • SU – Camryn DeLeva – Missed (Penalty - Made Contact with the Goalie)
  • W&L – Anne Burns Fiveash – Scored (Tied 1-1)
  • SU – Kaitlyn Nakamura – Missed (saved by Julia McDonald)

• Shootout Extended

  • SU – Camryn DeLeva – Scored (SU goes ahead 2-1)
  • W&L – Sydney Baggett – Missed (Hit Post)

BY THE NUMBERS

• W&L outshot Shenandoah 25-12, including a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal.
• The Generals earned 11 penalty corners compared to five for the Hornets.
• Julia McDonald made three saves in goal for W&L, while Shenandoah's Taylor Swann stopped five shots.
• Each team saw a player record a defensive stop. W&L's Maddy Duggleby held off an initial penalty corner score as did Mallory Holup for the Hornets. 

UP NEXT

The Generals will return to action on Friday night at Bridgewater College. The two will square off at 6 p.m. on October 11.

Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.