Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech lacrosse team earned its third consecutive victory Saturday afternoon as the defeated Pitt 11-10 in the ACC opener. Tied after three periods, the Hokies used a 3-0 run in the middle of the fourth to take the lead and then closed out the game by winning a draw control with 56 seconds remaining and retaining possession.
Tech is 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in ACC play for the second time under Kristen Skiera. Pitt fell to 2-2 (0-1) on the season.
Grace New bookended the Hokies' scoring, finding the first goal of the game in the first quarter at the 5:56 mark and kickstart the offense. Then, in the fourth quarter, she scored Tech's 11th goal, the eventual game-winner after collecting a feed from Mia Pozzi.
Lauren Render once again led the charge offensively, recording her third hat trick of the young season. Pozzi had two goals herself and added two assists, and defender Caroline Little registered her second assist of the season as she cleared a ball for the Hokies and then found Pozzi with a pass in the first quarter.
On the defensive end, goalie Aaliyah Jones recorded nine saves on 26 Panther shots sent at her cage. Little had four ground ball pickups and caused two turnovers and in the circle Maggie Flanagan won six draw controls.
The Hokies were a perfect 4-for-4 from free position shots, cashing in on golden opportunities.
Tech is back on the field on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Queens University. That game will be available on ESPN+.