Russell's Steps Up in ACC Tournament
11/7/2015 7:13:00 PM | Field Hockey
Senior forward Emma Russell has always had a knack for elevating her play when the stage is biggest.
The Eniskerry, Ireland native has made a name for herself in postseason play and Friday's ACC Semifinal was another chapter in the storied career of the Orange's all-time leading goal scorer.
Russell netted two more goals to her long list of ACC Tournament scoring plays, upping her career total to eight goals and two assists in six-career tournament games.
"I think it's just that we really want to win and all the girls are playing so well, which makes everyone's jobs easier," Russell said. "Obviously you have the motivation where if you lose, you're out, so that makes everyone give a little bit extra."
Her game-winner in the 76th minute on Friday sent the Orange to the ACC title game for the second year in a row. It was none-other than Russell who sent the squad to the 2014 title game with a 77th minute goal against North Carolina to also provide a 3-2 win.
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The captain already owns a host of ACC Tournament records, including most goals in a single tournament (five) in 2014, and the single-game ACC Tournament records for goals (four) and points (nine) after last year's win over Boston College in the quarterfinal.
"This is her Christmas," said head coach Ange Bradley, following Friday's win. "She steps up in the postseason for us."
Russell will look to continue her stellar play in the ACC Tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday as the team looks to capture its first ACC Championship against North Carolina.
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The Eniskerry, Ireland native has made a name for herself in postseason play and Friday's ACC Semifinal was another chapter in the storied career of the Orange's all-time leading goal scorer.
Russell netted two more goals to her long list of ACC Tournament scoring plays, upping her career total to eight goals and two assists in six-career tournament games.
"I think it's just that we really want to win and all the girls are playing so well, which makes everyone's jobs easier," Russell said. "Obviously you have the motivation where if you lose, you're out, so that makes everyone give a little bit extra."
Her game-winner in the 76th minute on Friday sent the Orange to the ACC title game for the second year in a row. It was none-other than Russell who sent the squad to the 2014 title game with a 77th minute goal against North Carolina to also provide a 3-2 win.
Â
The captain already owns a host of ACC Tournament records, including most goals in a single tournament (five) in 2014, and the single-game ACC Tournament records for goals (four) and points (nine) after last year's win over Boston College in the quarterfinal.
"This is her Christmas," said head coach Ange Bradley, following Friday's win. "She steps up in the postseason for us."
Russell will look to continue her stellar play in the ACC Tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday as the team looks to capture its first ACC Championship against North Carolina.
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Players Mentioned
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