Saints Take Rams in Friendly Neighborhood Field Hockey Showdown

Fall like weather put a little zip in the game as Villa Duchesne Saints field hockey team won a 4-1 non-league game over Ladue Rams at their home field yesterday.

From the sidelines Villa Duchesne Head Coach Vivi Keefer told her team, “Come on guys shoot the ball. I want some goals.” The Saints brought their "A" game and delivered, improving the season's record to 3-2.

During the first half of the game Villa Duchesne attempted 14 shots with only one score by junior Catherine Freeman.

Ladue’s defense was strong in the first half and Goalie Bea Dageforde held back the Saints for a tie at the half way mark. But the Ram’s offense only attempted three shots and got one goal scored by senior Elena Gresick. With a score of 1-1 leading into the second half, nothing was settled.

At the top of the second half Senior midfielder and defensive player Sydney Tomaso scored and Villa Duchense took the lead, 2-1.

Ladue had control of the ball shortly after the Saints took the lead. A shot was attempted but missed an open net. As the ball bounced off of the goal post, the goal was wide open with not a Ram near by to scoop up the ball for second attempt at an easy shot.

Gresick said, “We could have marked out better and passed stick to stick. I could have passed better.”

One minute later, at 17 minutes left in the game Junior, Emily Gibson,  shot and scored without an assist. And midfielder, Grace Leeker with 14 minutes left in the game scored the final goal of the game.

Keefer said, “We played our style of play, possession.” She credits their ability to take possession of the ball as a key component of their success.

Villa players are versed in playing a variety of positons. " I played forward today and it was fun,” said Tomaso. She said their team has depth. She also credits captain, Demi Wideman’s strong passing game as a component of their win. Wideman, a senior, will play collegiate level field hockey for Miami University in Ohio.

The first half of the game was balanced and each team showed promise of a victory. The second half was all Villa; and they dominated the offensive end. After the fourth goal, Villa cleared the bench and played the reserves.

Ladue Head Coach Barb Dwyer said, “The second half we wore out and didn’t execute like we needed to. The first half I was really proud of the girls. I thought we played well. And we started the second half strong. They are still working hard, but we don’t have enough of a bench.”

She said she likes playing tough teams like Villa early in the season because it helps them to know they have some work to do. Ladue's season record is 2-3.

Ladue will battle it out with Marquette for their first league game of the season Friday at 4:15  p.m. at Ladue. Gresick said, “We are going to work hard for a win Friday.”

Villa Duchesne will play Cor Jesu Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at Cor Jesu.

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