Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- Just weeks away from the start of the season in Blacksburg, Head Coach John Sung knew that he needed to lay a strong foundation for his program in order to set it up for success. That’s just what the first year coach has done in naming his team’s captains ahead of the 2017 season. Kristine Loscalzo, Meagh Graham, Tristan McGinley and MC Byrne have been selected to lead the team through a challenging schedule.
“I am excited to announce Kristine, Meagh, Tristan and MC as our 2017 captains,” Sung said. “Their character, work ethic and dedication to their teammates and to our program will help set the foundation for our 2017 season. Each of them brings a unique quality of leadership to our team. Their love for Virginia Tech and to this program has been apparent since I have started coaching here.”
YOUR 2017 CAPTAINS:
Kristine Loscalzo
Senior
Attacker, 5-7
Miller Place, N.Y. (Rocky Point)
Loscalzo started all 18 games of the 2016 season, leading the team in goals (31) and points (34). A dangerous attacker, Loscalzo is always a threat to opposing defenses whether she goes for goal herself or brings other teammates into the play.
“Being a captain is a privilege to me. We are currently in the most prestigious conference in Division I lacrosse and I couldn’t be more excited to lead my team into the 2017 season. We have a lot to prove this year and I am grateful to be a part of the new foundation we are creating,” said Loscalzo. “The goal for me, Meagh, MC and Tristan is to push our teammates to the limit so we can make the most out of our time here and be able to compete at the highest level. Coach Sung has devoted a lot to this program already and for him to come in and trust us four is a huge honor. We had a great fall season and this spring we will come back much stronger than we ever have.”
Meagh Graham
Senior
Goalie, 5-7
Rockville, Md. (Good Counsel)
Graham enters her senior season with a career record of 11-21 in 35 starts in goal for the Hokies. Graham has registered 216 saves and owns a 14.09 goals against average.
“I believe that our team is looking forward to the upcoming season with a new coaching staff who have a winning track record,” said Graham. “I think that our team will push each other to achieve our goal of changing our program around to becoming a top tier competitor. I look forward to what the future holds for us.”
Tristan McGinley
Junior
Attacker, 6-1
Morristown, N.J. (Moorestown)
McGinley is coming off a successful 2016 season where she had 18 starts in as many games for the Hokies. The midfielder tallied 25 goals and registered another seven assists for 32 points, the second highest total on the team.
“I am very humbled to have been selected as captain and leader of this team, it is a great privilege and honor especially as a junior,” commented McGinley. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that I cannot wait for this spring season to get started! This team works so hard for one another, and we truly push each other every day in order to make someone else better and I think because of that, we will be a much bigger threat this coming season.”
Mary Claire Byrne
r-Sophomore
Midfielder, 5-7
McLean, Va. (Holy Child)
Byrne returns to the Hokies after a 2016 campaign where she sat out with a torn ACL and obtained a redshirt. She has two goals and two assists in four career games played.
“It is an honor to be selected as captain of the team. Coach Sung and the staff have done a great job making sure that we are ready for the season to begin,” said Byrne. “We are going to turn some heads in the ACC and I'm excited to be a part of something special that we have brewing here at Virginia Tech.”
The Hokies’ first game is February 8 at 4 p.m. versus Gardner-Webb. The game will be played at the Virginia Tech Indoor Practice Facility.