When the field hockey team faced Old Dominion Sept. 18, the Monarchs erupted with three quick first half goals and dominated the Blue Devils in a 5-2 win. Midfielder Nicole Dudek made sure that outcome would not repeat itself.
Dudek deflected a pass from Kirsten Bostrom into the cage just 3:50 into the game, disrupting Old Dominion's quick-strike strategy. The No. 3 Blue Devils never trailed, defeating the No. 8 Monarchs, 3-2, Sunday.
"[The Monarchs] just really step on the field and play at a maniacal pace," head coach Beth Bozman said. "If your not prepared for it, it immediately puts you on your heels. We didn't allow that to happen today."
The win over the Monarchs (11-5) concluded a big weekend for Bozman, who reached 50 wins in fewer games than any coach in program history. The Blue Devils (12-3) shut out William & Mary, 4-0, Saturday to give Bozman her 49th career win.
After Dudek's early goal, Old Dominion tied the game 12:48 into the first half on a penalty corner. But just 13 minutes later, Dudek intercepted a pass and scored her second goal of the day to reclaim the momentum.
"We were just better prepared for this game both tactically and mentally," Bozman said. "Instead of allowing them to get into their game we went at them."
Midfielder Laura Suchoski scored seven minutes into the second half on an unassisted shot from the right side to put the Blue Devils up 3-1. Monarch Nicolien van Nispen countered two minutes later to bring Old Dominion within a goal, but the Duke defense shut down the Monarchs over the final 25 minutes to seal the victory.
Duke used the same quick-score strategy in defeating William & Mary (8-7). Freshman Julie Tromp drew the goaltender out from the net and found the cage just 58 seconds into the contest. After the early goal, the defense locked down, allowing the Tribe no first-half shots.
"We have really been focusing on our defense in general," Bostrom said. "It was a total team effort with everyone playing their role and really talking to each other."
Goalie Caitlin Williams recorded her third shutout of the season, registering three saves on six shots.
The Blue Devils dominated the first half of the game, outshooting William & Mary, 12-0. Forward Katie Grant found the left corner of the cage nine minutes into the game on a pass from Dudek, and Rachel Link scored her first career goal at the 25:20 mark to put the Blue Devils up, 3-0, at halftime. The Tribe had opportunities to score in the second half but could not push a shot past Williams.
"I thought we came out really strong," Bozman said. "We could have done better in the second half, but William & Mary also really picked it up in the second half."
Marcy Burns scored the final goal of the game 18 minutes after halftime. Seven different Blue Devils recorded points in the contest.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.