vt outlasts flames' final push

Ishan Lamba

April 3, 2021

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech continued its dominance from its last match, beating Liberty on the road, 5-3, in an offensive showdown.

The Hokies (8-8-0, 4-4-0) routed the William & Mary Tribe in a 3-0 victory in their only home game of the season two weeks prior, whereas the Flames (3-5-5, 2-3-3) were fresh off a thrilling draw against Bellarmine three days ago, when Shevaun Judon levelled the score with just 90 seconds to play.

As the Hokies looked to continue their win streak, they came out firing. They had six shots — four of which were on goal — in the first 13 minutes. Flames’ goalie Melody Jayroe had her work cut out for her as Tech got shot after shot off and the Liberty defense struggled.

With this offensive onslaught, spectators could feel a goal coming early in the game, and sure enough, that feeling was vindicated. A foul in the box sent Emily Gray to the spot and Tech’s leading point-scorer had no issues making it 1-0.

Liberty managed to get its first shot on goal in the 21^st minute. Freshman forward Tori Powell quashed the Flames’ hope at tying the score in the 24^th minute, as she doubled the lead and gave Tech some breathing room.

The 2-0 lead was not enough for the Hokies, as they continued their offensive assault on Jayroe.

The Flames managed to keep Tech at bay for the rest of the half, going into the break only down two. The pressure would not ease in the second half and a barrage of goals ensued.

After continued pressure, Powell broke through again in the 57^th minute with an unassisted goal to put the Hokies up by three. Gray managed a brace as well, scoring unassisted as well in the 64^th minute.

With the Hokies’ up by four, both players were subbed out for the rest of the game.

Nicole Koslova scored a fifth in the 69^th minute and VT stood with a seemingly insurmountable five-goal lead. Rebekah Vine came on in relief of a brutal outing for Jayroe, while S.A. Phillips came in to preserve Alia Skinner’s shutout.

That would not be the case, however, as Liberty fought back in the final 15 minutes.

Liberty’s Kasey Jamieson earned a brace of her own, scoring two goals in as many minutes. Despite sustained pressure, the Flames could only muster one more goal when Sonia Meyer struck in the 88^th.

Virginia Tech extended its regular season win streak to six, while the Flames concluded their season going 0-3-3.

The Hokies have some time before their next matchup against Auburn on April 17, as they hope to finish above .500 in a season which they started 0-5.

The Flames will regroup and try to get back to their winning ways in the fall.