Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG- The Virginia Tech lacrosse team travels to Fairfax, Va. for a 6 p.m. match against the George Mason Patriots. The match is the second of three consecutive road contests for the Hokies, who have moved up to No. 14 in this week’s poll.
The Hokies (7-2, 2-0)
Tech comes into the game after another upset of a ranked ACC opponent. On Saturday the Hokies took down No. 9 Duke 11-6 in Durham, N.C. It was the program’s first ever victory against the Blue Devils in 20 tries. The win also marked the first time in school history that the Hokies have won two ACC games in the same season.
The Hokies’ offense features three 20-goal scorers in Tristan McGinley, Zan Biedenharn and Kristine Loscalzo. As a team, Tech ranks 12th in the nation at 15.00 goals per game. On Saturday, Marissa Davey led the way with a career-high four goal performance.
Meagh Graham in goal anchors a defense that is playing at a high level in 2017. The Hokies are giving up just 8.11 goals per game, the fifth best nationally. Mary Claire Byrne leads the ACC in caused turnovers per contest.
The Patriots (1-1, 0-0)
George Mason enters the game at 1-1 following a loss to Georgetown on Saturday. The Patriots are led up front by Melissa Lobaccro’s four goals on the young season. Teammates Jordan Sdanowich and Brooke Lorber each have contributed three goals apiece. The Patriots were picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic 10 in the preseason.
The Series
Virginia Tech is 5-10 all-time against George Mason. The last game in the series was played during the 2011 season, a 15-7 Tech victory. The Hokies are 2-6 when playing the Patriots in Fairfax.
Next up: The Hokies travel to Delaware University for a 12 p.m. match against the Blue Hens on Saturday. Tech is 1-3 against Delaware all-time and 0-2 in games played in Newark, Del.