Hokie ClubCHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Backed by sophomore goalkeeper Alia Skinner's 14 saves on Thursday night, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team scored a meaningful ACC point at No. 4 North Carolina as the Hokies drew with the Tar Heels, 2-2, at Dorrance Field.
Virginia Tech (7-2-1, 1-0-1 ACC) nearly escaped with its first-ever road win against North Carolina (7-1-1, 0-1-1 ACC), taking the 2-0 lead during the 80th minute on Nicole Kozlova's sixth goal of the season. However, the Tar Heels managed to sneak in two goals during the final 10 minutes of regulation to force extra time, where both teams were unable to find the match-winner.
Skinner's 14 saves equated to a career high as the second-year keeper helped Tech overcome its 32-10 shot deficit to collect its third all-time result against UNC (first since the 2011 season).
Tori Powell capitalized on UNC's backfield miscue to break the ice for Tech during the 31st minute. Beating the trailing defenders to the ball in the box, Powell slid in her unassisted finish through to net her fourth goal of the season.
Nursing its 1-0 lead deep into the second half, Kozlova chased down a forward ball for the Hokies to earn a one-on-one chance at the Tar Heels' goalkeeper, Claudia Dickey. Centering her run, Kozlova beat Dickey to the right post to double Tech's lead and present UNC with its largest deficit of the 2021 season.
Avery Patterson answered Kozlova's strike during the 82nd minute, punishing Rachel Jones' cross from the left corner high above Skinner. Three minutes later, Emily Colton leveled the score after heading in the deflection off Paige Tolentino's entry from the right corner.
Thursday's result marked Virginia Tech's point earned against a top-five opponent since Oct. 22, 2015, when the Hokies played to the scoreless draw against No. 1 Florida State in Blacksburg.