The Basics

• Score: VCU 3, Ball State 2
• Records: VCU (4-6), Ball State (1-11)
• Location: Cary Street Field – Richmond, Va.
• The Short Story: With under ten minutes to play, sophomore Spencer Tossone found the back of the cage to lift the VCU field hockey team to a 3-2 win over Ball State on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It was the second straight game-winning goal for Tossone and third win in the past four games for the Rams. Freshman Colleen Rogers added a goal and an assist in the victory.

• After the teams traded possession for much of the first 10 minutes of the contest, Ball State got aggressive, scoring in the 15^th minute off a corner to take a 1-0 advantage.
• Less than three minutes later, VCU would answer as senior Kendall Farino fed a long pass down the right sideline to junior Kaylee Maunz. Maunz turned and went give-and-go with Rogers, who eventually fed Maunz's first goal of the season.
• VCU would nearly take the lead two minutes later when Farino blasted a shot off a corner, but it was turned away as the two teams battled to a 1-1 halftime tie.
• Ball State would not go quietly, scoring less than three minutes into the second half to take a 2-1 lead.
• The Rams would ratchet up the pressure, first with junior Krystal Mayers firing a shot in the 45^th minute, but it was turned away by the Cardinals keeper.
• Six minutes later, Taleah Scott's blast drew a penalty stroke, but McKenzie Bowler's stroke attempt went just wide.
• In the 54^th minute, Farino laid a beautiful pass into the circle for Rogers who chipped it over the keeper to even the score at 2-2.
• BSU would try to answer, but three straight corners were turned away, leading to another opportunity for the Rams.
• In the 61^st minute, Tossone set up a corner for Scott, who fed it back to Tossone for the finish and the 3-2 lead.
• The Cardinals would try to pressure late, but the VCU defense was able to hold strong and secure its second straight win.

• "Today's game was a true test of guts and determination for the team. To go down a goal twice and tie it up was a great show of mental strength, and we did well to get the go ahead goal with ten minutes left. I think we started to see much more movement from our forwards today which helped in our offensive production. We look forward to hosting two conference opponents next weekend." – Head Coach Laura Baker
• "Today's game was definitely a hard fought game, but we really came together and had each other's back through out the whole game. Very rewarding walking off the field with a win." - Freshman Colleen Rogers
  

Up Next

• The Rams are back at home next weekend, hosting two pivotal Atlantic 10 matchups. First up on Friday night is Saint Joseph's. Game time is set for 6 p.m.