Virginia tech upsets no. 14 pitt for first win of the season

Nick Cheshire

October 5, 2020

BLACKSBURG - After falling to Florida State last Thursday, Virginia Tech bounced back with a big 2-0 victory over No. 14 Pitt, its first win of the year.

The Hokies defeated Pitt behind a pair of late second half goals and strong performances from a pair of freshmen, goalkeeper Alia Skinner and forward Tori Powell.

Pitt applied the pressure early, tallying 10 shots in the first half to Virginia Tech’s one, forcing Skinner to make seven saves. The Panthers couldn’t capitalize on a poor clear from Skinner in the seventh minute, sending a shot just wide of the open net. Pitt forward Amanda West also contributed two shots on goal early in the first half, but despite the Panthers dominating the box score, Tech kept the game scoreless heading into the break.

The Tech offense came out firing in the second, with midfielder Holly Rose Weber notching two shots quickly, the second of which hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute. A few minutes later in the 57th minute, Powell had a good look from a few yards out, but Pitt goalkeeper Katherine Robinson was there to make the save.

Tech finally broke through in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a turnover in the box with a goal from Karlie Johnson. The Panthers continued to fight to create scoring chances, including three shots on goal within the final ten minutes, but all were saved by Skinner, putting her at 12 saves on the night and leading to her first career shutout. In the 89th minute, Powell iced the game for the Hokies, notching her first career goal and sealing the 2-0 victory.

“I hoped for the best, and it happened to go in,” Powell said, regarding her first goal. “I think the team really came together. We’ve been needing this, and I think it’s really good for us.”

The Hokies finally emerged victorious after a tough start to the year, bringing them to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, while Pitt fell to 6-2 overall and 1-2 in ACC play.

“It’s good to get a win; it’s been a long stretch to start the season with some difficult games,” Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. “I'm pleased for the team and happy that we can get three points in the conference. We’ve got to get back to our winning ways moving forward - that is our goal.”

Pitt is back in action on Thursday, hosting Boston College, while Virginia Tech will travel to Durham for a Friday night meeting with No. 11 Duke.