BLACKSBURG – Setting the tone early with a 7-0 outburst in the first quarter, Virginia Tech lacrosse cruised to a 18-5 victory over Old Dominion at Thompson Field on Wednesday afternoon.
With nine players getting on the scoresheet – including three-goal games by Olivia Vergano, Lauren Render and Paige Tyson – Tech picked up its sixth double-digit win of the season and its fifth at home.
The Hokies forced the Monarchs into 20 turnovers – 11 caused – while only allowing 12 shots. Jocelyn Torres and Lilly Kannapell split the minutes in cage, allowing just five goals all afternoon.
From the jump, the contest had Downey written all over it, as the fifth-year transfer accounted for an early assist to Tyson then took it herself minutes later. When all was said and done for the afternoon, the Downey had her third game of the season with six or more assists.
Grace New popped onto the scoresheet next to continue her career year, while Vergano, Render and Caroline Little tacked on four more to give the Hokies their seven-goal lead.
All three of Virginia Tech's second-quarter goals – scored by New, Tyson and Isa Torres -- were assisted by Downey. While Tech reeled in its scoring in the second quarter, the Hokies committed only two turnovers in the second and third frames combined, setting them up for only nine turnovers for the second consecutive game.
While Tech took care of the ball, nine Hokies recorded a caused turnover – a season-high. Old Dominion's 20 turnovers were the second-most by a Tech opponent this season.
The draw was competitive throughout the entire first half with Tech holding a 7-6 advantage, but the Hokies grabbed all seven opportunities in the third quarter and split three apiece in the final period.
Virginia Tech's afternoon wrapped up with an impressive effort by Ella Rishko to get herself a goal for a third consecutive game, followed by Gracie Kennedy assisting Torres then recording her first goal of the season.
April 10 also marks the one-week-remaining mark of the regular season, as Tech has just two ACC matches left on the schedule: No. 1/5 Notre Dame (April 13) and No. 9/11 Virginia (April 17). Both matchups are within the confines of Thompson Field.
Fans are encouraged to stop by Thompson Field at noon on Saturday before heading over Virginia Tech football's 2024 spring game, presented by PMSI.Gallery: (4-10-2024) LAX: ODU Game