Hokies celebrate Senior Day in style, defeat rival Virginia 16-12 in Lane StadiumHokies celebrate Senior Day in style, defeat rival Virginia 16-12 in Lane Stadium
Lacrosse

Hokies celebrate Senior Day in style, defeat rival Virginia 16-12 in Lane Stadium

BLACKSBURG – Emotions ran high all afternoon Saturday as the twelfth-ranked Virginia tech lacrosse team took the field in Lane Stadium for Senior Day against in-state rival No. 17 Virginia.

Those emotions boiled over after the final whistle as the Hokies earned a 16-12 victory, just the program's second over the Cavaliers.

"We changed up our game plan and did some different things on the offensive end and the defensive side," said jubilant head coach John Sung. "Our young kids were huge today, I think Sarah Lubnow had four points, Paige scored some for us, so I'm really happy about that."

For Lubnow, a freshman from Falls Church, Virginia it was the first start of her career. Petty, the Hokies' leading scorer tallied four more Saturday, taking her season total to 46.

Tech got off to a slow start, falling behind 3-0 after Virginia Taylor Regan, Avery Shoemaker and Kasey Behr all scored goals in the first five minutes. The Hokies got settled after Paige Petty scored Tech's opening goal off of a feed from Taylor Caskey.

The Hokies went on to close the first half on a 5-0 run to lead 10-7 at halftime, holding a lead they would never relinquish.

Petty's four goals paced the Hokies while, Lubnow, Marissa Davey, Julia Bolte and Tristan McGinley each scored two goals.

Meagh Graham made 10 saves to earn the win in goal.

Tech was in the ascendency on the draw circle all afternoon winning 17 to the Cavaliers' 12. Petty, McGinley and Kelly Glatthorn each secured four.

Virginia was led by Behr's five goals and goalie Rachel Vander Kolk had a strong game, posting 13 saves.

Saturday's game was a part of the Commonwealth Clash presented by Virginia529. The Hokies now lead 9.5 to 6.5 in the series.

The result moves the Hokies to 12-5, 5-2, both program bests for wins and ACC victories in a single season.

Tech secured the three seed in next week's ACC Tournament held in Durham, North Carolina on the campus of Duke University. The Hokies will meet the Blue Devils on Thursday, April 26 at 8 PM.