Final Score: VCU 3, ODU 2 (OT)
Location: Norfolk, Va.
Records: VCU 1-0, ODU 0-1
 
The Short Story: VCU trailed 1-0 heading into the fourth quarter but a Morena Macera hat trick lifted the Rams over the Monarchs in overtime.

QUICK FACTS:

• Macera scored a career-high three goals on just four shot attempts
• Angelina Gandos and Lina Berhmann each recorded assists on two of Macera's goals in their first career starts. Both goals were scored off penalty corners
• Emma Clements made eight saves on the 10 shots she faced in the cage
• ODU outshot VCU 16-11 overall and 10-5 overall
• The Monarchs were led by Sanci Molkenboer who scored two goals for ODU

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• ODU struck first just 2:32 into the game as Molkenboer scored. There were only three shots taken by both teams in a defensive first quarter
• The Monarchs controlled possession in the second quarter, outshooting VCU 6-1 but the Rams' defense held firm and trailed 1-0 at halftime
• The third quarter was another defensive stalemate as each team recorded one shot in the period and VCU still trailed 1-0
• Macera tied the game 1-1 off a penalty corner in the 48^th minute as her shot glanced off an ODU defender and into the net
• Macera scored again just over two minutes later in the 50^th minute off another penalty corner to give VCU a 2-1 lead
• The Monarchs forced overtime in the 60^th minute on another goal from Molkenboer
• Macera ended the game in overtime as she beat a Monarch defender and fired past the goalkeeper for her third goal of the day in the 66^th minute

 
UP NEXT:
VCU hosts No. 1 Northwestern on Monday, Sept. 1 at Cary Street Field at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.