The Batten University field hockey team earned a thrilling 1-0 victory over Sweet Briar College, prevailing 2-0 in a shootout following 80 minutes of scoreless action. Katherine Druiett and Landry Meyer converted their shootout attempts, while goalkeeper Berkley Miller helped secure the victory for the Marlins.
With the win, Batten improved to 6-10 overall and 1-5 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play, while Sweet Briar fell to 1-13 overall and 1-6 in conference action.
Before the start of today's game, the Batten University Field Hockey program honored its eight member senior class including; Ashlyn Boykin, Kellyn McCloud, Landry Meyer, Breanna Gable, Amora Marchand, Jasmine Padilla, Kat Druiett,
The Marlins controlled much of the contest offensively, outshooting the Vixens 26-4 and holding a commanding 16-5 advantage in penalty corners.
Batten established its offensive pressure early, earning five penalty corners in the opening quarter. Druiett recorded the Marlins' first shot on goal in the 11th minute, but the contest remained scoreless through the opening 15 minutes.
The Marlins continued to generate opportunities in the second quarter, recording seven shots and four penalty corners. Kellyn McCloud registered three attempts during the period, while Meyer forced a save in the 28th minute as Batten entered halftime with an 8-0 advantage in shots.
Batten maintained its offensive momentum in the third quarter, with Meyer recording two shots on goal before McCloud added another opportunity just seconds later. Despite the continued pressure, the Marlins were unable to break through.
The fourth quarter saw Batten continue searching for the go-ahead goal, with Meyer and McCloud each forcing saves. Meyer added another attempt in the final seconds of regulation, but the contest remained scoreless and headed into overtime.
The Marlins turned up the pressure in the first overtime period, recording eight shots and earning four penalty corners. Meyer led the offensive charge with five attempts during the period, while Druiett added two shots on goal. Batten nearly broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Meyer's attempt was stopped by a defensive save.
In the second overtime, Miller came up with a crucial save in the 75th minute to keep the contest scoreless. Meyer and McCloud each generated additional scoring opportunities for the Marlins, but neither side could find the back of the cage, sending the game into a shootout.
Druiett opened the scoring for Batten by converting the Marlins' first shootout attempt. After Sweet Briar missed its second opportunity, Meyer stepped up and successfully converted her attempt to give Batten a 2-0 advantage.
Miller and the Marlins' defense held firm throughout the shootout, keeping Sweet Briar off the scoreboard on all four attempts to secure the victory.
Meyer led Batten offensively with a game-high 10 shots, including eight on goal, while McCloud added eight shots with four on target. Druiett contributed four shots, including three on goal.
Miller earned the victory in goal, recording two saves during regulation and overtime while helping the Marlins secure the shutout.
