Rishko scores seven as Hokies defeat Louisville, 17-7

BLACKSBURG – Behind a thrilling seven-goal performance from freshman Ella Rishko, Virginia Tech picked up a 17-7 win over Louisville on Saturday afternoon at Thompson Field.
 
Scoring the most goals by a Tech player in a game since Paige Petty had seven against William & Mary on March 4, 2020 and the most by a Hokie against an ACC opponent since Petty's seven against Louisville on March 31, 2018, Rishko's record day paced Virginia Tech to its third league win of the season.
 

 
Despite the 10-goal advantage that they won with, the Hokies had a relatively timid start with only one goal in the game's first 11 minutes. However, with Rishko's second goal of the game at the 3:55 mark in the first quarter, Tech started an 8-0 run to finish the first half with. At the break, Virginia Tech led 9-1 – marking the fewest first-half goals allowed this season and the fewest its allowed in a half of ACC play since March 11, 2018 against Notre Dame.
 
The Cardinals reeled in the game a bit in the second half, scoring three of the first four in the third quarter, but the Hokies opened up the game again with a 6-0 to establish a 16-4 lead early in the fourth. 
 
Paige Tyson closed Tech's account for the day late in the fourth quarter to become the Hokies' fourth multi-goal scorer of the game and seventh scorer overall.
 
Sarah Gresham had another lights-out performance with draw controls, hauling in 10 for the third time this season. At 76 draw controls on the season, Gresham now holds Virginia Tech's single-season record for a freshman, surpassing Olivia Vergano's 73 in 2022.
 
Tech's Kayla Frank made an impact for the Hokies without getting on the scoreboard, providing two assists while tacking on four ground balls and three caused turnovers.
 
Adapting well to Louisville's physical style of play, the Hokies went on a 12-3 run during the second and third quarter while the Cardinals accumulated four yellow cards in that span.
 
Virginia Tech has won four of its last five games, averaging 16.6 goals per game in that span. With their latest win, the Hokies have surpassed their 2022 ACC win total of two.