NO. 14 VIRGINIA TECH DECIMATED BY NO. 1 NORTH CAROLINA

Topher Wagner

March 14, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — It has been a full year to the day since the sports world was shut down due to COVID-19 and the ramifications of playing in a pandemic are still being felt across college sports.

No. 14 Virginia Tech was decimated against No. 1 North Carolina, falling 22-1 in its first game back from a two-week break due at least one positive covid test within the program..

The Hokies came into Saturday’s matchup sitting at 2-2 and looking to win their first ACC contest. For North Carolina, the top ranked Tar Heels aimed to continue their undefeated start after winning their first six contests this season.

What followed, though, was a blowout of outlandish proportions as it became clear from the start that it would take some time for Virginia Tech to get back to full strength following its extended time off.

Early on, North Carolina proved why it’s the best team in the country, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first five minutes as it was led by star Jamie Ortega. The Hokies had no answers for UNC’s best player as Ortega finished with five goals in the blowout.

Unfortunately for VT, its defense wasn’t the only problem early in the first period. The Hokies offense was sloppy and riddled with turnovers and fouls, leading to countless opportunities for North Carolina.

Free position shot attempts doomed Tech as goalie Angie Benson had no chance to stop the dominant Tar Heels’ attack.

The Hokies first shot on goal finally came with 15 minutes left in the first period, but at that point, Carolina was already firmly ahead 9-0 as Ortega and fellow Tar Heel Katie Hoeg were in complete control.

Leading 12-0, it appeared that North Carolina would shut out Tech in the first half following a phenomenal save from goalie Taylor Moreno. The Hokies, though, finally showed some fight as Jocelyn Lazore pocketed her second goal of the year as time expired in the first period.

The second period was just as dominant for Carolina. The Tar Heels started the frame with three quick goals courtesy of Elizabeth Hillman, Scottie Rose Growney and Ortega. For Rose Growney, her tally capped off a hat trick and was her 19th goal of the season in her dominant start to the year.

A change in goalie for UNC to Kimber Hower did nothing to spark Tech’s offense as

Hower was perfect down the stretch, allowing zero goals on five shots.

North Carolina never lifted its foot off the pedal. A couple late goals brought the final score to 22-1 as Virginia Tech was absolutely flattened down the stretch. The absence of star Paige Petty for Tech was surely felt, as the Hokies offense just never got going.

The loss drops Virginia Tech to 2-3 on the season and 0-3 in ACC play. The Hokies will have a chance to rebound in a matchup with Davidson next Wednesday.

For UNC, the Tar Heels continued their perfect season and improved to a remarkable 30-0 all time against Virginia Tech. The top ranked squad will try to continue itsundefeated streak against Louisville on Thursday.