PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Virginia Tech made the most out of opportunities on the offensive end and Jocelyn Torres' season-best 13 saves to defeat Pitt, 13-9, on Saturday.
Despite being limited to 19 shots, which is tied for the second fewest by the Hokies this season, Tech's Olivia Vergano, Paige Tyson and Lauren Render had four goals each to guide the team to its second ACC win of the season.
The first goal for either team came nearly nine minutes into the game when Render converted her first of three free-position goals on the day. A late score by the sophomore just before the buzzer to end the first quarter tied the game at 1-1.
Both team's offenses came to play in the second quarter, as the Hokies and Panthers exchanged goal-for-goal throughout the entire 15-minute period.
Assuming a reduced role after picking up a knock in Tech's last game, Vergano still provided the goal-scoring production that Tech needed with a strike assisted by Caroline Little to start the second quarter.
Pitt answered each of Tech's scores, but Paige Tyson continued to come through in a big way with two goals in the quarter. Kayla Downey, who had another big day setting up others, took one for herself in the second quarter, as well.
Virginia Tech went into the break with a 7-6 lead, despite giving up an uncharacteristic 15 turnovers in the first half. Despite the team errors, Sarah Gresham continued to put the ball in Tech's possession in the draw circle, as she had an ACC personal season-high nine draw controls.
The Panthers switched the script and set the pace in the third quarter, scoring three of the first four goals in the period to give them their first lead (9-8) since the first quarter. However, Downey facilitated goals for Tyson and Vergano to put Tech back in front heading into the fourth. Downey's fourth assist of the day was her 36th on the season, which ties Natasha Fuch's (2005) single-season assist record for the program.
Virginia Tech continued to build on its 2-0 run that ended the third frame with three more unanswered goals – all featuring an involvement from Render (two goals, one assist) – to put a bow on a gritty ACC win.
Torres, who had the most saves since posting 15 against Notre Dame last season, had a strong finish to the game by making 11 saves on the 15 shots that Pitt managed to put on frame after scoring their fifth goal in the second quarter.
The Hokies will rest and recoup before heading to Clemson for their next ACC matchup on Saturday, March 30.