Final Score: VCU 1, No. 17 UMass 0
Location: Richmond, Va.  
Records: VCU 8-2 (2-1 A-10), UMass 6-5 (2-1 A-10)
 
The Short Story: VCU controlled large stretches of the game before finally breaking through in the 38th on a back post tap-in from Josephine Jense that lifted the Rams over No. 17 UMass.
 
QUICK FACTS:

• VCU secured its first win over an NFHCA top-20 team since beating No. 17 Wake Forest in 2021
• It marked both Jense's first goal of the season and her first in a VCU uniform
• Morrero's assist was her team-leading fourth of the season
• VCU outshot UMass 15-4 overall and 11-3 in shots on goal
• Mora Marrero led the Rams with four shots and three shots on goal
• Goalkeeper Sheridan Messier recorded three saves on the day and recorded her fourth shutout this season
• The victory keeps the Rams a perfect 6-0 at Cary Street Field this season

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Despite not being able to convert on its chances, VCU controlled the first half and outshot the Minutewomen 5-2
• UMass' best chance of the game came in the first half as a pass over the top of the Rams' defense left Messier in a one-on-one. She came off her line and slid to clear the ball and thwart the goal-scoring attempt
• Midway through the third quarter, Marrero fired a pass from just outside the circle and Jense was waiting at the back post to tap it into an empty net and put the Rams up 1-0
• The Minutewomen threated just twice in the second half, recording only two shot attempts that were both saved by Messier
• The Rams were able to finish the game with a strong defensive effort and killing the clock after UMass emptied their net in the 54th minute

 
UP NEXT:
VCU travels to St. Louis to take on the Billikens next Friday at 5 p.m.