Hokie ClubDURHAM, N.C.- The Virginia Tech lacrosse team defeated No. 9 Duke in Durham Saturday by a score of 11-6. The win moves Tech to 2-0 atop the ACC standings, the first time since 2004 that the team has won two games in the conference. It was also Tech’s first ever victory in 20 tries against Duke.
“The kids played great today,” John Sung said. “Marissa was all over the place for us. She did a great job running the offense.”
Marissa Davey led the Hokies with four goals on the afternoon, a new career-high to go with an assist. Emma Harden returned to the starting lineup and scored two goals, as did Tristan McGinley. Kristine Loscalzo, Zan Biedenharn and Mary Claire Byrne each found the net once for the Hokies.
The game went scoreless for over 10 minutes until Davey put Tech on the board at 19:55. In the next 14 minutes of action, Tech went on a five-goal run to lead 5-0. Meagh Graham kept a shutout until Ellie Majure put Duke on the board with 5:13 on the clock. Tech enjoyed a 5-1 advantage at halftime.
After the break, Duke scored in just 17 seconds threatening to go on a run, but the Hokies answered back through Davey and continued to apply pressure. Another five-goal outburst put the game well out of reach for Duke who made it interesting late with three quick goals of their own.
Despite losing the draw control battle 12-7, Tech outplayed Duke in many other categories. The Hokies grabbed more ground balls, took more shots on target and forced more turnovers.
Meagh Graham stood out again, making 11 big saves, and also coming up with seven ground balls. Tech held Duke’s 14.40 goals per game offense to their lowest output of the season.
“When you can play at even strength for 60 minutes that makes a huge difference,” said Sung. “We didn’t get a yellow card today which was a focus for us. This is a statement win-we needed this one.”
Tech’s next game is Wednesday, March 8th at George Mason. First draw is set for 6 p.m.