virginia tech holds off navy for a 2-1 victory
Nick Cheshire
October 25, 2020
Virginia Tech's Allyson Brown (left, 15) celebrates with her Hokies teammmates after her goal in the 41st minute at Thompson Field on Saturday. (Virginia Tech athletics)
BLACKSBURG – In a Saturday afternoon clash at Thompson Field, Virginia Tech beat Navy 2-1 behind a pair of first half goals in the first ever meeting between the programs.
The entertaining first half featured all three goals in the match. The first came from freshman forward Tori Powell, who notched her third tally of the year for the Hokies in the 22nd minute. In the 41st minute, the Hokies doubled their lead on a second chance effort from senior forward Allyson Brown. Both goals were assisted by junior midfielder Emily Gray.
Gray filled up the stat sheet yet again on Saturday, notching four shots on goal and contributing both assists on the afternoon for the Hokies. The Sewell, N.J. native has totaled 15 shots on goal and seven assists on the year, which leads the team in both categories by a considerable margin.
Navy cut the lead in half in the final minute of the first half on midfielder Jenna Daunt’s first collegiate goal, which was assisted by Carolyn Mang. Virginia Tech outshot Navy 7-5 in the first 45 minutes of play, leading in the shots on goal department 6-2.
The Hokies continued their strong performance in the second half, outshooting the Midshipmen 10-2 and forcing four saves from Navy goalkeeper Mattie Gallagher. The freshman keeper finished with eight saves on the afternoon.
Powell logged three shots for Tech while Brown had a strong senior day, posting four shots and delivering the game-winning goal.
“I think Navy came out and played well,” Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. “They’re strong, athletic and disruptive in their play and they were dangerous. It was a good match, a good non-conference game for us, and I’m glad that we got an opportunity to play Navy in a season that is different.”
The non-conference win moves Virginia Tech to 3-7 on the year, while Navy falls to 0-3, marking the end of its season.
The Hokies have two remaining regular season contests, the next of which comes Thursday, Oct. 29 at Wake Forest at 7 p.m.