LEXINGTON, Va. — The Washington and Lee University field hockey team unleashed a dominant attack and pulled away late for a 3–0 win over Rhodes College on Saturday afternoon at the W&L Turf Field. Washington and Lee (2–2) controlled possession throughout, while Rhodes (1–2) was kept in striking distance by an outstanding goalkeeping performance.
The Generals peppered the cage with 31 total shots and earned 17 penalty corners but were held scoreless through the first half. Rhodes goalkeeper Caroline Naifeh stood tall, making 11 saves — several from close range — to hinder W&L's offense and keep the game within reach until the final stanza.
The Generals broke through at 35:42 when
Margaret Scheurer scored her first of two goals off a rebounded save from Naifeh. She then doubled the lead early in the fourth quarter at 48:07, finishing off a setup from
Anne Burns Fiveash to redirect the ball past the Lynx defense.
The Generals sealed the win with 1:06 remaining, as
Margaret Cover tipped home a offensive corner attempt from
Charlotte Dreany.
Two other potential W&L goals were waved off, one for obstruction in the circle and another on a ruled foul for using the wrong side of the stick, but the Generals' relentless pressure on both ends of the pitch ultimately proved too much. The Blue and White defense and senior goalkeeper
Julia McDonald earned the shutout without needing to make a save.
Washington and Lee Statistical Leaders
- Goals: Margaret Scheurer (35:42, 48:07), Margaret Cover (58:54)
- Assists: Anne Burns Fiveash (48:07), Charlotte Dreany (58:54)
- Shots: Scheurer (9), Sydney Baggett (5), Betty Boatwright (3), Dreany (3), Zoe Dolfis (4)
- Shots on Goal: Scheurer (4), Baggett (4), Dreany (2), Dolfis (2)
- Saves: Julia McDonald (0 – shutout)
Rhodes Statistical Leaders
- Saves: Caroline Naifeh (11 of 14)
- Shots: Alder Dickey (2), Bella Spina (1)
- Team Total: Three shots, none on goal
Game Leaders & Team Comparison
- Scheurer scored twice for W&L, while Cover added the third.
- Washington and Lee outshot Rhodes 31–3, with a 17–0 edge in penalty corners.
- Naifeh made 11 saves to keep Rhodes in contention; McDonald was not called upon for a save in the shutout.
- Two W&L goals were disallowed — one for obstruction and one for an illegal stick tip.
Up Next: Washington and Lee continues with non-conference matchups and will travel to face the University of Mary Washington on Wednesday, September 17, at 6 p.m. in Fredericksburg, Va. The Generals then return home on Saturday, Sept. 20, to host Franklin & Marshall College at 5 p.m. at the W&L Turf Field.
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.
