Blue Devils Outlast No. 15 Old Dominion, 3-1

Sunday, September 20

Durham, N.C.

1:00 PM

Duke University

Old Dominion

Blue Devils Outlast No. 15 Old Dominion, 3-1

9/20/2015 3:25:00 PM | Field Hockey

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. – After surrendering a goal to No. 15 Old Dominion in the fourth minute, the seventh-ranked Blue Devils kept a clean sheet the rest of the way to earn a 3-1 victory over the Monarchs Sunday at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium. Duke defeated its third ranked opponent of the season to move to 5-3 on the year.

In similar fashion to Friday night's loss at No. 4 Virginia, Old Dominion was first to get on the board Sunday. However, head coach Pam Bustin's squad responded with solid defensive play to shut the Monarchs out the rest of the way.

“Old Dominion took it to us in the first couple minutes, and that was like, 'Okay, hang on,” Bustin said. “I was so proud of how the team regrouped and what they brought out and recognized today that they didn't recognize until a little later on Friday. So credit to Old Dominion for coming out as hard as they did against us, but credit to the Duke team for making the change earlier and then never looking back. We kept up that attitude and that mentality for the duration of the game.”

Caitlin Walsh of Old Dominion recorded the initial goal on a tip-in play at the post. The Blue Devils cleared a subsequent threat by the Monarchs from the circle and went on to tie the match at the 15:10 mark on a cross from sophomore Ashley Kristen to junior Heather Morris. Morris notched her fifth tally of the season while Kristen collected her team-leading ninth assist.

Duke took the lead less than six minutes later when senior midfielder Aileen Johnson launched a ball from the top of the circle and freshman Rose Tynan was able to chip it into the cage. The home team remained the aggressor over the next 10 minutes to maintain the 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.

Midfielder Sarah Breen led the charge offensively for the Monarchs, who started the second half with two penalty corner opportunities but were turned away both times by the Duke defense. However, the Blue Devils also remained dangerous on their offensive end, and doubled their lead in the 64th minute when freshman Caroline Andretta fought through traffic at the front of the circle to score. The goal was the first of Andretta's collegiate career.

Old Dominion drew a penalty corner just before the final horn and had another opportunity immediately after, but saw both shots get cleared by Duke, with sophomore back Alyssa Chillano making a defensive save on one offering.

“We said this is the first step towards what kind of hockey we want to play,” Bustin said. “We're going to continue to bring it to practice. The coaching staff will continue to challenge them in every possible way so that they are comfortable with it when it comes time to do it in a game.”

The final two penalty corners gave the Monarchs 10 shots on the day to 11 by the Blue Devils. Old Dominion led in corners, eight to four.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Lauren Blazing posted two saves in the win while Kealsie Robles made four stops on the other end.

Duke returns to Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium Friday, Sept. 25 to welcome non-conference opponent Delaware at 6 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on Blue Devil Network Plus.

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