COLUMBIA, S.C. – Staging its grittiest performance of the 2021 season on Sunday, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team blanked No. 12 South Carolina, 1-0, at Stone Stadium, closing its non-conference schedule with a marquee victory.
Nicole Kozlova slid in the match-winning goal for Virginia Tech (6-2-0) during the 20th minute, timing her volley to perfection off a well-placed cross by Emily Gray. Kozlova's goal marked her fifth of the season while Gray's assist – the 19th of her career – moved the Tech senior into a tie for fourth place all-time within the program.
Alia Skinner made three saves while keeping her third clean sheet of the 2021 season. Tech's sophomore keeper weathered two early corners by South Carolina (5-2-0) inside the opening six minutes and protected the Hokies' lead until the very end, denying Corinna Zullo's look at the equalizer during the 90th minute.
Flexing its depth, Tech showcased 18 outfield players during the match as the Hokies scored their first true road win against a ranked side since the opening round of the 2018 NCAA tournament (No. 17 Texas).
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Virginia Tech will start its 10-match run through the ACC on Saturday, Sept. 18, when the Hokies entertain North Carolina State in Blacksburg. Kickoff at Thompson Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.