June 18, 2012

The United States and Argentina tied 1-1 in an Olympic field hockey exhibition at U-Hall Monday night.

The U.S. National team features two Cavaliers, Paige Selinski and Michelle Vittese.

With 19 minutes remaining in the game, Katie O'Donnell scored the lone goal for the USA off an assist from Keli Smith Puzo. Argentina answered with 10 minutes left on a goal from Noel Barriouevo for the equalizer.

A capacity crowd filled the stadium at U-Hall to support the U.S. team.

"I'm really impressed with the turnout and I'm glad that the whole community came out to support Michelle and I," Selinski said.

"Yeah I thought it was really well done," Vittese added. "I'm impressed with the atmosphere and all the kids and all the families that came down. There was a huge tailgate in the parking lot. It's just really great to feel like everyone's behind you, especially in Charlottesville where Paige and I are from. I'm impressed, it was really well done."

Game two of the four-game test series between the two countries is Wednesday at 5 p.m. The game will be played at Old Dominion in Norfolk.

"This is a really good time for us to figure out what we need to do better. Argentina's a great team and if you keep letting them knock on the door eventually they're going to get in," Vittese explained.

"This is our first game as an Olympic team so I think we're starting to connect," Selinski added. "I still think we're going to progress and peak at the right time."