Hokies run past Pioneers 11-5Hokies run past Pioneers 11-5
Lacrosse

Hokies run past Pioneers 11-5

The Virginia Tech women's lacrosse team earned its second ranked win of the season Wednesday, knocking off No. 16 Denver 11-5 from Barton Lacrosse Field in the Mile High City. Tech used a four-goal spurt in the first half to take the lead, which it would not relinquish, advancing to 5-3 on the season.

"That was a really good bounce back win, this is a big one for us that we really needed," said head coach John Sung. "Denver is one of the top five RPI teams in the country and to beat them at their place is great for us and hopefully we can build on it."

The Hokies were led in scoring by two seniors, Emma Harden and Tristan McGinley who each recorded a hat trick on the afternoon. For McGinley, her third tally in the game marked the 100th goal of her career.

Tech's offense got into a good rhythm, with five different players accounting for the first five goals of the game, as the Hokies took a 5-3 lead into the half.

"I thought it was a full team effort, we had six assists on 11 team goals today," Sung said of his squad's performance.

Paige Petty scored three points, as did Taylor Caskey and Mary Claire Byrne dished out two assists. Emma Crooks, Marissa Davey and Zan Biedenharn were all on the scoresheet for the Hokies as well.

On the defensive end, Tech's backline put in a stellar shift, holding the Denver offense to just five goals, six shy of their season average. Kristen Kohles and Byrne each forced three turnovers, while Byrne and Meagh Graham combined to scoop up eight ground balls.

"Elena Ricci did a lot of little things for us today off of the bench. Not only did she get some draws but she made those plays that don't show up in the box score," said Sung.

Ricci, a freshman from Alexandria, Virginia had a ground ball, two draws and caused one turnover.

Graham stood tall in goal, making five saves, most from free position opportunities to preserve the win.

The Hokies had more shots, picked up more ground balls and won more draw controls than the Pioneers.

Tech was also able to stay more disciplined, earning just a single yellow card on the afternoon, while Denver was whistled for seven, including two on starting defender Katherine Fischer, disqualifying her from further action.

Denver's five goals were scored by five different players and goalie Carson Gregg came up with 10 saves in the game.

NEXT UP: Tech returns home to the Indoor Practice Facility for a matchup with ACC foe and nationally ranked Notre Dame.

First draw is set for 1 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network Extra.