BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech used an explosive first half and strong defensive showing all game to pick up a 19-6 win over Queens (N.C.) on Wednesday afternoon.
Claire Schotta and Ella Rishko scored four goals apiece, all coming in the first half, in Tech's second win in a row by 13 goals. However, it was transfer Kayla Downey that set the pace in points for Virginia Tech, as she logged six assists on the afternoon – all in the first half. Downey's six assists served as a career-high for the Babylon, N.Y. native and tied the third-highest mark all-time in a single game by a Virginia Tech player.
The Hokies put their foot on the gas early with six-goal run to start the game. Veteran attacker Paige Tyson kick-started the scoring less than a minute into the game for Tech. Rishko, who had five goals in her last outing against Mercer, had three of her four scores within the first 11 minutes of the contest.
Sarah Gresham's dominance on the draw allowed Tech so many offensive opportunities, as she teamed up with Olivia Vergano and Ella Rishko to claim nine of eleven draws in the opening quarter.
Jocelyn Torres recorded two of her four saves in the first quarter, which Tech led at 7-3 at the end of.
The second quarter was all Hokies, as Virginia Tech scored eight goals between Rishko, Downey, Schotta, Tyson, Mia Pozzi and Blair Guy. Heading into the halftime break, Virginia Tech led the Royals in shots, 26-8.
Tech was able to exercise its depth moving into the second half, as senior goalie Lilly Kannapell stepped in to protect the cage.
Rookie Marie Cacciabaudo was the Hokies' lone goalscorer in the third quarter, courtesy of Gracie Kennedy's first assist of the season. Another freshman, Lauren Kelly, stepped up on the scoresheet with her first collegiate goal in the fourth quarter.
Across the field, Tech had statistical contributions in the midfield and defense from Jane Brewer, Zoee Stencil, Keelin Byrne, Elizabeth Labbe, as well.Gallery: (2-21-2024) LAX: Queens Game