Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- The No. 12 Virginia Tech lacrosse team defeated William & Mary 17-12 on Saturday afternoon. With the win, Tech moves to 10-2 on the season, the first time the program has achieved double digit victories since 2011.
“We did some good things today,” said John Sung. “As we get to the end of March its really important to get to the end of non-conference with some wins. We have one more to go.”
The game started at Thompson Field with the Hokies coming out the aggressors. Kristine Loscalzo, Emma Harden and Taylor Caskey each found the net in the first two minutes, putting the Hokies ahead 3-0. William & Mary battles back, with goals from Shannon Quinn, Holly Hager and Lindsey Jenks’ goal with 20 seconds on the clock in the first half brought the score to 9-6, Tech.
In the second period, both teams traded goals before thunderstorms forced the game to be delayed. The delay lasted nearly 80 minutes and the final 21 minutes of the game was completed inside the Indoor Practice Facility.
A four-goal run by Tech highlighted by Harden’s goal from a nice pass from Kendall Welch, gave the Hokies some breathing room and the defense did enough to preserve the win. Meagh Graham earned her 10th win between the pipes and came up with 10 big saves on the afternoon. Mary Claire Byrne continued her excellent play, forcing three turnovers, grabbing two groundballs and adding one goal.
“I thought William & Mary was an extremely well-coached team,” said Sung. “A big part of our game plan was to never stop because we knew the run was coming. Being able to switch venues speaks to how well our kids compete and were able to execute.”
Inside the box score
-Tech won the draw control battle 19-13.
-The Hokies completed all 12 of their clear opportunities.
-Five Hokies scored three or more goals: Loscalzo’s four, Tristan McGinley’s three, Harden’s three, Caskey’s three and Marissa Davey’s three.
-Virginia Tech improved to 6-2 at home in 2017.
Next up for the Hokies is a trip to Buies Creek, N.C. on Friday to play the Campbell Camels. First draw is set for 4 p.m.