LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Virginia Tech secured a 1-0 start to ACC play on Saturday evening with a 14-10 victory over Louisville.
After trailing 4-2 at the end of the first quarter, the Hokies scored eight of the games next nine goals separate themselves from the Cardinals.
Olivia Vergano, who had a season-high five goals, reached 100 career goals with her second score of the game. Kayla Downey and Claire Schotta had three goals each – including five of the Hokies' nine second-half scores.
The Cardinals ended the first period on a three-goal scoring run, but Tech adjusted well in the second quarter and match the run with three of their own. The sides went into the halftime break tied 5-5.
In the third quarter, the Hokies exceled on both sides of the ball to build up a 10-5 advantage. While Tech went on a five-goal scoring barrage with five different goalscorers, it wasn't until Louisville scored with 51 seconds left in the quarter that the Cardinals registered a shot on goal in the period.
The Vergano and Downey tandem handled the first two goals of the fourth quarter, but Louisville created momentum on the draw and drew itself within three goals. A free-position goal briefly brought the match within two goals, but a video review saw the goal called back and resulted in Tech receiving possession, which Tech turned into a Schotta score.
Virginia Tech held a distinct advantage in the turnover battle, committing a season-low 12 in its opening ACC contest. On the defensive end, the Hokies caused 10 turnovers – two times as many as the hosts.
In cage, Jocelyn Torres held the opposition to 10-or-fewer goals for the fourth time this season while making nine saves.
After a daunting five games in two weeks, the Hokies will get a well-earned break before taking on No. 1 Boston College on the road on Sunday, March 3.