HARRISONBURG, Va. – Pitted against the defending national champions on Sunday, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team played to the 2-0 defeat against No. 9 Santa Clara during the Hokies' final match at the Fairfield by Marriott Invitational – as hosted by James Madison at Sentara Park.
Despite directing six of its 11 attempts on target, Virginia Tech (4-2-0) was unable to keep the Broncos out of its net as Santa Clara (3-1-2) cashed in its only two shots on goal for the day. Izzy D'Aquila pushed a roller past Alia Skinner during the 25th minute to put the California side ahead while Skylar Smith tacked on an insurance goal six minutes into the second half.
Tori Powell and Emily Gray lured Santa Clara keeper Marlee Nicolos into making two saves during the opening three minutes of play. With physicality building midway through the half, Makenzie Graham crossed the referee's line and was cautioned during the 24th minute, prompting the sequence that led to the Broncos' first goal.
Cards continued to mount in Tech's direction as the first half progressed, though none wound up leaving the Hokies vulnerable. Sophie Maltese was shown yellow during the 39th minute for her challenge while the Hokies' bench was cautioned, too, less than two minutes later.
Gray continued to test Nicolos through the contest, steering four of her six attempts on target. Powell accounted for Tech's remaining two shots on goal to round out the Hokies' attack.
Santa Clara turned its second corner of the match into its second goal during the 51st minute. Alex Loera assisted for Smith, who like D'Aquila, finished to the bottom right against Skinner.
Averi Visage's caution during the 84th minute marked Tech's fourth card of the day while the Hokies held the narrow 15-13 edge against the Broncos in fouls.
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Virginia Tech will return home to Thompson Field on Thursday, Sept. 9, when the Hokies host Villanova. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.