BLACKSBURG –After a commanding 14-4 victory in the season opener this past weekend, the No. 12 Virginia Tech lacrosse team returns to the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility on Wednesday, Feb. 13 for a 4 p.m. clash against the ninth-ranked JMU Dukes. Coverage will be available on ACC Network Extra and live stats on hokiesports.com.
The Hokies were led by sophomore Emma Crooks against Bucknell, as the midfielder scored a game best four goals and five points overall. The Great Falls, Virginia native also recorded three draw controls and two caused turnovers.
Six Hokies earned their first career starts in the season opener; Morgan Berman, Molly Wentz, Jordan Tilley, Sara Goodwin, Taylor Caskey and Reilly Reed. For Berman, a sophomore goalie, it was her first win of her career. She made three saves in the game. Goodwin and Tilley, both freshmen, impressed in their collegiate debuts. Goodwin scored twice on three shots and Tilley, a defender, caused two turnovers and scooped up four ground balls.
The Dukes
JMU, the defending national champions, fell at North Carolina in their first game of 2019 this past Saturday 18-7. Maddie McDaniel and Logan Brennan each scored two goals and Hanna Haven led the team with three points in the game.
On the defensive end, goalie Molly Dougherty made nine saves on 32 shots faced. Catie Woodruff caused three turnovers and grabbed one ground ball against the Tar Heels.
The series: The Hokies and Dukes have met 16 times previously, including every year since 2004 with JMU winning each contest. In 2013, JMU escaped Blacksburg with a narrow one-goal victory, the closest that the Hokies have come to knocking off their in-state rivals.
In last season's meeting in Harrisonburg, Tech got off to a promising start, leading 2-1 after 12 minutes thanks to two goals from All-ACC performer Tristan McGinley. JMU would score the game's next three goals, and would not relinquish the lead, going on to win 16-11. McGinley lead the Hokies' effort with four goals and Meagh Graham had six saves in goal.
Up Next: The Hokies will remain at home for each of the next two games. On Saturday, Feb. 16, Tech will face No. 20 Colorado at 1 p.m. with coverage on ACC Network Extra.
The four-game homestand will conclude when the Hokies take on Cincinnati on Wednesday, Feb. 20. First draw is set for 4 p.m. That game can also be seen on ACC Network Extra.
