LEXINGTON, Va. - Senior
Margaret Cover converted a fourth-quarter penalty stroke, and
Margaret Scheurer scored twice as the No. 19 Washington and Lee University field hockey team celebrated Senior Day with a 3-0 victory over Bridgewater College on Saturday afternoon at W&L Turf Field.
Prior to the contest, Washington and Lee (9-3, 5-0 ODAC) recognized its six seniors —
Zoe Dolfis,
Sophie Cover,
Elaina Bellone,
Ayanna Moore,
Margaret Cover and
Anne Burns Fiveash — for their contributions to the program. Since 2023, the senior class has helped the Generals compile a 45-22 overall record entering Saturday's contest, including a 23-6 mark in Old Dominion Athletic Conference play, three consecutive ODAC semifinal appearances and six victories over nationally ranked opponents.
The Generals extended their winning streak to five games and recorded their third consecutive shutout. Scheurer scored in the second and third quarters before Cover added the final goal early in the fourth, providing a fitting finish to the Senior Day celebration.
Washington and Lee controlled the contest offensively, outshooting the Eagles (8-6, 2-2 ODAC) 32-0 and holding a 12-1 advantage in penalty corners. First-year goalkeeper
Helenka Chodakiewicz played all 60 minutes in cage as the Generals held their third consecutive opponent without a shot.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Generals controlled possession throughout the opening quarter, generating eight shots and three penalty corners. Bridgewater goalkeeper Rachel Adel made one save, while Olivia Ohleger added a defensive save at 8:28 to keep the contest scoreless.
- W&L nearly broke through in the final minute of the opening period when Margaret Scheurer struck the post at 14:40 following a penalty corner. The Generals earned another corner with eight seconds remaining but could not convert before the quarter ended.
- Washington and Lee opened the scoring at 21:11 when Margaret Scheurer found the back of the cage six seconds after Bridgewater goalkeeper Rachel Adel stopped an attempt by Margaret Cover. The unassisted goal gave the Generals a 1-0 lead.
- W&L continued to pressure the Eagles throughout the remainder of the second quarter, generating eight shots and three penalty corners. Adel made three saves during the period to keep Bridgewater within one goal entering halftime.
- The Generals doubled their advantage at 37:14 following a penalty corner. Charlotte Dreany connected with Scheurer, who finished the opportunity for her second goal of the afternoon and a 2-0 lead.
- W&L generated seven shots in the third quarter, including an attempt from Cover that struck the post at 32:39. Bridgewater earned its lone penalty corner at 35:03 but could not generate a shot.
- The Generals extended their lead just 47 seconds into the fourth quarter. Senior Madeline Lancione had an attempt turned away by Bridgewater defender Casey Grell at 45:40, and Cover converted the ensuing penalty stroke at 45:47 to make it 3-0.
- Washington and Lee maintained its offensive pressure throughout the final period, generating nine shots and three penalty corners. Bridgewater goalkeeper Thaleia Khader made two saves in the quarter as the Generals secured their third consecutive shutout.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Margaret Scheurer led the Generals with two goals on a game-high 10 shots, including five on goal. Her first goal proved to be the game-winner.
- Margaret Cover celebrated Senior Day with a fourth-quarter penalty-stroke goal and finished with five shots, including three on goal.
- Charlotte Dreany recorded the assist on Scheurer's second goal and added two shots.
- Zoe Dolfis generated four shots, placing two on cage.
- Madeline Lancione put both of her shots on goal, including an attempt that required a defensive save in the fourth quarter.
- Anne Burns Fiveash added three shots, while fellow seniors Elaina Bellone and Sophie Cover contributed two and one, respectively.
- Helenka Chodakiewicz improved to 9-3 in cage, playing all 60 minutes without facing a shot.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 32-0 — Washington and Lee's advantage in total shots, holding Bridgewater without an attempt for the entire contest.
- 12-0 — The Generals' advantage in shots on goal.
- 12-1 — W&L's advantage in penalty corners, generating three in each quarter.
- 3 — Consecutive shutouts by Washington and Lee, which has not allowed a shot over its last three contests.
- 5 — Consecutive victories for the Generals, all coming in ODAC play.
- 2 — Defensive saves recorded by Bridgewater, one each from Olivia Ohleger and Casey Grell.
- 5-0 — Washington and Lee's record in ODAC competition following victories over Shenandoah, Roanoke, Eastern Mennonite, Sweet Briar and Bridgewater.
BC LEADERS
- Rachel Adel started in cage for the Eagles, making four saves while allowing one goal in the opening 30 minutes.
- Thaleia Khader played the second half, recording three saves while allowing two goals.
- Olivia Ohleger and Casey Grell each recorded a defensive save.
- Bridgewater was held without a shot and generated one penalty corner in the contest.
UP NEXT
Washington and Lee hits the road for a night game in Ashland, Va. against Randolph-Macon on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.
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.
