Hokie ClubThe Virginia Tech lacrosse team cut a 5-goal USC lead down to two in the closing minutes, but were not able to complete the comeback, falling to the 18th-ranked team in the nation 13-11 Sunday afternoon. With the loss, Tech's record is now 4-4, with each setback coming against a ranked opponent.
The Hokies got on the board first through Paige Petty who worked her way in on a free position opportunity from the right side inside of five minutes, before the Trojans could find the net. USC scored the game's next three through Kelsey Huff and Sophia Donovan to take the lead.
The difference in the game turned out to be a 5-goal run that USC went on spanning the end of the first half and the beginning of the second.
In the final minutes, Tech found itself down 13-8, but battled back with a 3-goal run of its own to close the gap.
The Hokies were led offensively by three players who scored two goals each; Mary Claire Byrne, Petty and Emma Crooks. Petty also added an assist and had three draw controls, while Crooks picked up two draws, two ground balls and forced a turnover in the midfield.
On the defensive end, sophomore goalie Morgan Berman once again played well, coming up with eight saves and four ground balls on the afternoon. Defender Elena Ricci caused three turnovers, came up with three ground balls and corralled four draw controls.
Quoting Coach Sung
- We played to our game plan and cut the lead there in the second half. We had that three-goal run but really just ran out of time.
- What really hurt us was the draws in the middle of the game. We didn't come up with those and USC took advantage.
- Defensively I thought it was good. Morgan had another good game with eight saves and we got them top turn the ball over.
- That middle run is what killed us today, so we have to find ways to eliminate runs like that and we'll be ready to play Fresno on Tuesday.
Inside the box score
- Tech attempted more shots than the Trojans (28-26), but placed fewer on frame (18-21)
- Both squads handled pressure well, converting over 87 percent of the game's clear opportunities
- USC, who won by two goals, won two more draw controls as well
Game Notes
- Goalie Morgan Berman's eight saves on the afternoon continue her trend of playing her best against the best competition. This season against ranked opponents (four games) she has not had less than seven saves.
- The game marks the first time in 2019 that no Hokie recorded a hat trick. Four players scored twice
What's next
- The Hokies are back on the field on Tuesday, March 12 at Fresno State. First draw is set for 5 p.m. E.T.