Hokies edged by Elon

BLACKSBURG- The No. 19 Virginia Tech lacrosse team fell to Elon Wednesday 13-12 in overtime. The result drops the Hokies to 6-2 on the season, while the Phoenix improved to 5-1.

“We have to figure out how to win and this is just another one of those teaching moments for these girls,” John Sung said. “I know they are pretty upset right now but they showed their character and how they wanted to fight for each other. Now we just have to learn how to close games a little bit better.”

The Hokies led at halftime 7-5 thanks to a five-goal run highlighted by goals from Mary Claire Byrne, Emma Harden and Zan Biedenharn late in the half to take control of the game.

Elon came out strong in the second period, tying the game at eight goals a piece. After Biedenharn gave the Hokies the lead at 24:05, the Phoenix went on a five-goal run of their own to open up a four goal lead. Stephanie Asher led Elon with five goals on the afternoon while Sloane Kessler, Kelsey Dupere and Kacie Cooper each added two for the Phoenix.

Following a timeout, Tech charged back scoring the final four goals in regulation. Kristine Loscalzo scored a free position goal with just four seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime.

“We were close,” Sung said. “We got to the end and tied it up which I thought was important. That’s our first overtime game and you’ve got to learn how to win those games but I think this is a positive in the sense that we were resilient and we know we can fight.”

Byrne had the best performance of her career Wednesday. The midfielder netted a hat trick and dished out two assists for five points on the day, all career-highs. She also played excellent defense, grabbing four groundballs and causing five turnovers.

As a team the Hokies forced Elon into 19 turnovers, and only allowed 5-13 free position opportunities to find the back of the net. Meagh Graham made eight saves on the day. Tech won the draw control battle 15-11, with Tristan McGinley winning eight of those by herself.

Next up for the Hokies is a trip to Durham, N.C. on Saturday to play the Duke Blue Devils. First draw is set for 1 p.m. from Koskinen Stadium.