The Virginia field hockey team earned a much-needed victory last night as it downed in-state rival William & Mary 4-3 in Williamsburg.
The Cavaliers (7-10, 0-3 ACC) struck early as sophomore forward Elly Buckley broke through just five minutes into the game with her team-leading 14th goal of the season.
Buckley added another to her total during the 19th minute, giving the Cavaliers a 2-0 edge. William & Mary (6-8, 1-4 CAA) responded quickly as freshman midfielder Emma Clifton scored during the 27th minute.
The Tribe tied the game three minutes later, bringing the game into a 2-2 deadlock at halftime. At the midpoint, Virginia trailed the Tribe in shots, taking six to William & Mary's 10.
Both teams came out of halftime looking for the go-ahead goal, and the Cavaliers were able to break the tie with a 49th-minute goal off the stick of junior forward Britt Knouse.
Virginia extended the lead during the 62nd minute when freshman midfielder Jess Orrett tipped in her own rebound to bring the score to 4-2.
William & Mary redshirt junior midfielder Leah Zamesnik scored off a penalty corner to cut Virginia's lead to a single goal with only three minutes to play, but the Cavaliers managed to hold on to seal the win. The Cavaliers outshot the Tribe 11-5 during the second half en route to breaking their three-game losing streak.
Virginia takes the field again Saturday at Wake Forest in a matchup of ACC rivals.
\n -compiled by Michael Eilbacher
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