Virginia Tech women take road win at Georgetown 2-1

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Via Virginia Tech University) – Virginia Tech picked up a key non-conference road victory, 2-1, at Georgetown on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, the No. 12 Hokies improve to 8-0-1 overall, while the Hoyas fall to 4-3 on the season.

“I was very pleased with the result today,” head coach Chugger Adair said. “It was a hard-fought match that could have gone either way. I think we had some quality chances to score, especially in the first half, but they did, too. The late goal for us was really exciting. The girls really grinded and gritted out a good, quality win today.“

The Hokies scored both goals near the end of each half. Tech took the lead in the 42nd minute on a goal by Candace Cephers, from the far post after a scramble in the box. The goal gave Tech a 1-0 lead at intermission. Georgetown knotted the score in the 55th minute, as Crystal Thomas scored on a cross from Grace Damaska.

The score remained tied, 1-1, until the final minutes of regulation. In the 88th minute, with just 1:23 remaining, Laila Gray scored what would ultimately prove to be the game-winner, from 10 yards out off of an assist from Kallie Peurifoy.

Kaylyn Smith went the distance in earning her seven victory of the season. She recorded five save in the win. The Hokies out shot the Hoyas, 15-12, including a 9-4 advantage in the first half. The Hokies played their second consecutive match without leading scorer Murielle Tiernan, who missed the game with an injury. Defensive standout Jordan Coburn returned to action today for Virginia Tech, after missing the last two matches with an injury.

“I was happy to see us get the good win in front of what was almost a home crowd for us today,” Adair added. “We were really well-represented by our alumni and fans here in the D.C. area. The girls really appreciated that.”

The win closes out the non-conference schedule for the Hokies. Tech returns to the pitch on Saturday night, as they host No. 3 North Carolina at Thompson Field at 7 p.m.