Hokies Stun No. 16 BC in ACC Opener
from press release
BLACKSBURG, Va. – For the second time
since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2004, the Virginia
Tech lacrosse team won a conference game, defeating No. 16 Boston
College, 12-11, at Thompson Field. This is the second ACC victory
in program history for the Hokies, and both have come against the
Eagles at home.
Sophomore Alex Gale returned to her starting role in cage for Tech
and was a big part of the Hokies’ success in the game. Gale
finished the day with a season-high 12 saves against the
Eagles.
Things came down to the wire as the Eagles (6-1, 0-1 ACC) chipped
away at Tech’s 9-3 halftime lead throughout the second half.
The two teams went back-and-forth all half, trading goals until the
ten-minute mark. Tech (6-2, 1-0 ACC) did not score a goal with
under ten minutes to go in the game and a late BC run would provide
a scare for the Hokies.
BC’s Jill Amo edged the Eagles closer when she put away a
shot in the seventh minute to make it 12-9, Tech. With under two
minutes to go in the game BC’s Brittany Wilton made it a
two-goal game and just over 30 seconds later Kristin Igoe buried
another goal for the Eagles to make it a one-goal game with under a
minute and a half remaining.
Tech won the draw following the BC goal and proceeded to keep
possession and run out the clock, keeping their composure and
spreading the offense.
The Hokies did most of their damage in the first half as they
tallied nine goals, and slowed their offense in the second half
with just four scores.
Tech got out to a hot start, which sparked great momentum for the
squad that never trailed in the game. Senior Allie Emala and Junior
Ryan Rotanz each put away goals in the opening three minutes of the
game, both of which were assisted by sophomore Julia Heaps.
Igoe got the Eagles on the board in the 26th minute with her first
of four goals on the day, but the Hokies responded with three
straight goals to extend their lead.
Tech closed the first half on a 4-0 run to establish a comfortable
halftime advantage.
Despite the outcome, the Eagles outshot the Hokies 20-19 on the
day and won 14 draws, compared to Tech’s 11.
Sheila Serafino saw the bulk of time in goal for the Eagles and
finished the day with four saves, allowing eight goals.
Tech returns to the field on Wednesday, March 16 as the team will
travel to No. 3 Duke for a 6 p.m. game.
