Hokies fall to virginia in season opener

Nick Cheshire

September 13, 2020

Virginia Tech midfielder Emily Gray switches the play in the second half in Charlottesville. The junior scored the Hokies' lone goal on a penalty in the 85th minute. (Virginia Tech athletics)

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Virginia looked sharp in their season opener against in-state rival Virginia Tech on Saturday night, outshooting the Hokies 21-3 en route to a 3-1 victory at Klöckner Stadium.

Virginia struck early thanks to a goal in the ninth minute by Diana Ordonez. The Cavaliers kept the pressure on the Hokies for the remainder of the first half, but three saves by freshman goalkeeper Alia Skinner kept it at a manageable 1-0 deficit heading into the break.

It appeared Tech tied up the match in the 60^th minute on a shot by Tori Powell, but the play was called back for offsides.

Virginia continued to amass shots on goal throughout the final 30 minutes, finally pushing the Hokies to their breaking point in the 78^th minute with a goal by Alexa Spaanstra. Shortly after, the Cavaliers added their third, as Lia Godfrey scored in the 83rd minute to stretch the lead even more.

In the 85^th minute, a Virginia hand-ball led to a penalty kick for the Hokies, and Emily Gray converted, scoring in her first game back from a devastating ACL tear last year. The late goal wouldn’t be enough for Tech, however, as they were overpowered by a productive Virginia attack for the majority of the match.

Virginia improves to 1-0 as Virginia Tech falls to 0-1 on the young season. Both teams take the field again next Thursday, September 17, with the Cavaliers heading to Durham to face Duke, while the Hokies travel to Clemson to play the Tigers.