After definitive back-to-back wins Friday and Saturday, No. 4 Duke looks poised to compete in conference play this upcoming weekend.
The Blue Devils (3-0) cruised to an easy 20-12 win over Richmond (0-2) Friday evening at Koskinen Stadium after starting the game on an explosive 9-1 run. Duke held a dominating 28-8 lead in shots at the end of the first half and controlled the tempo for most of the game, aided by a 24-10 margin in draw controls.
“Winning the draw was a huge key because we were able to control the momentum and generate a lot of good looks,” head coach Kerstin Kimel said. “I’m very happy we were able to score 20 goals, but more than anything, I was really happy we were able to dominate the draw control.”
And with a team of recently returned players from injury, Duke boasts a strong offensive unit that has played two consecutive games with 20 or more goals. The offensive attack is balanced, too—nine players scored for the Blue Devils over the weekend.
After the strong win against the Spiders Friday, Duke again saw great performances from both its offensive and defensive squads, helping the Blue Devils to pull away with a 14-11 win over William & Mary (0-1).
The home team started the first half with a 14-6 shot advantage, building its lead to eight following a 9-1 run over the final 25 minutes of the half. Duke managed to hold off the Tribe with just under two minutes remaining in the game, stopping a resilient Tribe squad after it came within three goals. A William & Mary turnover, however, allowed Duke to take the win.
“This was our first Friday-Sunday weekend, and I’m really happy that we came out with two wins,” Kimel said. “I was disappointed that we didn’t have greater presence in the second half, but I know our girls were feeling the effects of Friday night’s game. It’s a great weekend for us to learn and prepare for the point of the season when we have to play games in this format.”
Top performers in Sunday’s game were junior Kat Thomas, who led the team with four goals, and seniors Christie Kaestner and Sarah Bullard, who added three goals each. On the defensive end, junior goalkeeper Mollie Mackler managed four saves.
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