Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – A strong second-quarter push by Mercer gave the visiting side what it needed to down Virginia Tech, 11-8, at Thompson Field on Sunday afternoon.
Olivia Vergano and Blair Guy teamed up to give the Hokies an early 4-1 lead in the matchup with the reigning Big South champions. However, the Bears responded with a 3-0 run to even the game up at four goals apiece with 5:49 remaining in the half.
Kayla Frank scored her first of three goals with just under two minutes remaining in the half, but Mercer tacked on two more before the break to take a 6-5 lead into the half.
Guy struck again in the third quarter, but it again it was Mercer that expanded on its lead, scoring three in the 15-minute period.
The Hokies pushed late with Frank adding two more goals in the fourth quarter, but the lead never got below two.
For the first time this season, Tech lost the draw control battle. Mercer hauled in 15 compared to Tech's 11.
Virginia Tech will be back in action at home on Friday against No. 1 North Carolina at Thompson Field. Gallery: (2-19-2023) LAX: Mercer match