Score: VCU 18, Howard 3
Location: Richmond, Va. (Cary Street Field)
Records: VCU 1-0, Howard 0-2
 
The short story:  VCU lead Howard 3-2 with 3:59 remaining in the first quarter but scored 13 unanswered goals and cruised to the win in its season opener.

• VCU's 15 goal margin of victory is tied for the largest since a 24-8 win over LIU in 2018. The Rams beat Duquesne 20-5 in 2024
• Rachel Koeneke had a team-high four goals and two assists along with three caused turnovers
• Sam Palmer scored three goals and added an assist
• Molly O'Keefe had a goal and a team-high four assists
• Chloe King had a goal and two assists in her VCU debut
• VCU had 13 players either score a goal or record an assist in the win
• Howard was led by Vanessa Ronsholdt who had two goals

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Howard scored the game's first goal 3:57 into the contest but VCU scored three unanswered to lead 3-1 with 5:11 left in the first quarter
• The Rams' lead was cut to 3-2 with 3:59 remaining before Amelia Eilbacher's goal at 1:59 began a run of 13 unanswered goals
• VCU held Howard scoreless for 45 minutes of game time during that stretch as the Rams built a 16-2 lead with 9:28 left in the fourth quarter
• The Bison scored just one more goal in the contest as VCU cruised to the win

UP NEXT:
VCU hosts Charlotte on Feb. 14 for a 1 p.m. game at Cary Street Field.