Hokies outlast rain, Blue Devils' late run to advance to semifinals with 13-12 victoryHokies outlast rain, Blue Devils' late run to advance to semifinals with 13-12 victory
Lacrosse

Hokies outlast rain, Blue Devils' late run to advance to semifinals with 13-12 victory

DURHAM N.C. – It took over five hours to complete the 60 minutes on the clock, but at the end, Virginia Tech had its first ACC Tournament victory, defeating Duke 13-12 Friday night from Koskinen Stadium.

"Obviously it was tough with all of the delays, but at the end of the day we did enough to win the game and that's what it's about this time of the year," head coach John Sung said. "Survive and advance!"

Tech led 6-5 after the first 30 minutes, thanks to three goals from freshman Paige Petty, her seventh hat trick of the season. Due to lightning in the area, the game was delayed 69 minutes and the stands were cleared for the safety of all spectators.

Coming out of the break, Tech extended its advantage, scoring seven of the next eight goals, including two within 40 seconds of each other from Taylor Caskey and Mary Claire Byrne each picking out the corner of the net.

The game was delayed a second time, this one lasting for over 75 minutes, as a weather system passed through the Durham area, dousing the field with rain and lightning illuminating the sky. Field crew members squeegeed the field, pushing water off of the playing surface to make sure that the athletes would have sure footing and enabling the game to be completed.

The final eight minutes provided some nervy moments as Duke scored the game's final five goals including three from freshman attacker Charlotte North, who led all scorers with seven goals on the night.

Meagh Graham made eight saves in goal and spearheaded a 17-minute stretch where the Hokies kept Duke off the board. Graham tallied four ground balls, Leigh Lingo recorded three ground balls and two caused turnovers, and Carly Primo also forced two turnovers on defense.

Petty finished the game four goals and four other Hokies added two scores each; Sarah Lubnow, Byrne, Caskey and Marissa Davey.

Tech improved to 4-1 in one-goal games in 2018 after holding on Friday night.

Tech will matchup with the 2 seed, North Carolina (13-3) on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. in the second semifinal with a spot in Sunday's Championship game on the line.

North Carolina defeated Syracuse 21-12 on Friday behind six goals from Jamie Ortega.

Upcoming Dates
April 26-29 - ACC Tournament in Durham, North Carolina
May 6 - NCAA Selection Show
May 11 - NCAA Tournament First Round