Hokies turn it on in the second half, get by Elon 14-12 Saturday afternoon

Tech completes non-conference season, sits at 9-3 heading into heart of ACC play

March 24, 2018

	1	2	F
(16) Virginia Tech (9-3 | 2-0 ACC)	6	8	14
Elon (1-8 | 0-0 CAA)	6	6	12
Rudd Field - 209 Box Score

Knotted up at nine down the stretch in the second half, the Virginia Tech lacrosse team reeled off five of the game’s next seven goals to take the lead for good and hold on as it defeated the Elon Phoenix 14-12 Saturday.

“It wasn’t our best game, we struggled especially on the draw but we got through it and got to nine wins which was our goal,” head coach John Sung said. “I’m really proud of how we competed, I thought Paige Petty had another great game with three goals and those two assists.”

The win moves Tech, the sixteenth-ranked team in the nation to 9-3 at the conclusion of its non-conference schedule. Tech’s next opponent, No. 5 North Carolina dropped a 17-11 game Saturday to No. 2 Boston College.

.@doitlike_byrnie !

Her first goal today gives us the lead at 12-11

5:20 to go in this one pic.twitter.com/M5X3bzT5Dq

— VT Lacrosse (@HokiesLax) March 24, 2018

Mary Claire Byrne had a complete performance recording a goal, two assists, a draw control and two caused turnovers. Her goal at 5:20 in the second half put the Hokies ahead for good.

Elon won the battle in the center circle, winning more draws (18-10), but the Hokies defense forced 16 Phoenix turnovers. Freshman Elena Ricci caused three on her own, and Kristen Kohles and Byrne each recorded two.

“Meagh Graham with those seven saves did a good job of keeping us composed back there,” Sung said. “Carly Primo off the bench made a huge play to cause a turnover there and Marissa Davey scored a heads up empty net goal for us that really put it away.”

Tech was quicker to loose balls all afternoon, grabbing 16 ground balls to Elon’s 11. Kelly Glatthorn and Byrne each scooped up four, while Meagh Graham and Leigh Lingo each corralled three.

On the offensive end, Taylor Caskey recorded a season best four points, seniors Tristan McGinley and Emma Harden each scored twice and Julia Bolte provided two assists taking her season tally to 13.

Next up: Tech travels to Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Wednesday, March 28 for an ACC tilt. First draw is slated for 5 p.m. and can be seen om ACC Network Extra.

For updates on Virginia Tech lacrosse, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @HokiesLax