RICHMOND, Va. – Led by seven goals from Lauren Render, Virginia Tech lacrosse kicked off its 2025 campaign with a 15-7 win over VCU on Saturday afternoon.
In a lineup that included seven players making their first start for the Hokies, Render paced the field – tying the Rams’ scoring mark, while setting career highs in goals (7) and points (9) for a game. Both tallies tie for fifth in the program’s single-game record book.
Tech raced to a 4-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Render, Grace New, along with first career scores from Maggie Flanagan and Sophia Trahan. Another goal from Trahan gave the Hokies a 5-1 lead after the first quarter, in which they put seven of eight shots on goal.
The Rams steadied the game in the second quarter, which gave an opportunity for transfer goalie Aaliyah Jones to record the first of six saves in the game.
After a slow start in the draw circle, the Hokies’ freshman trio of Flanagan, Trahan and Kamryn Henson grabbed hold of the game through its mid-way point. Henson and Trahan both recorded a game-high five draw controls in their debuts.
The Hokies weathered a run from VCU across the second and third quarter that saw their lead reduced to two, before going on a 5-0 to give the Hokies a comfortable cushion to see out the game.
Senior Maura O’Malley had a career high five assists on Saturday, the most of any player, which also ties for ninth most in a program history.
Tech’s 15 goals were the most in a season opener since it past 17 past Davidson on opening day in 2020.
The Hokies will open their home slate on Wednesday, February 12 at 5 p.m. in Blacksburg against No. 16 James Madison.
Hokie Club