Virginia Tech women’s soccer defeats Indiana 2-1 in season opener

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Via Virginia Tech) – The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team got off to a fast lead and never trailed en route to a 2-1 victory against host Indiana in the first round of the Hoosier Classic. The match was the season-opener for both teams.

“I was pleased with the start,” head coach Chugger Adair said. “We were a little bit erratic in the first half, but we created some very good chances. Once we settled in, we were good and controlled much of the first half.”

The Hokies jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead less than 18 minutes into the game on a pair of goals from Murielle Tiernan. The first goal came in the 11th minute on a header off an assist from Heather Timothy. The second goal was in the 18th minute on an assist from Morgan Conklin.

“Both of Murielle’s goals were good team goals,” Adair added. “On the first one, she got a good pass from Heather Timothy and on the second goal, it was a good ball from Morgan and she put it in the goal.”

The score remained the same throughout the first half and into the second period. Indiana got on the board in the 79th minute on a shot from 18 yards out by Jessie Bujouves.

“In the second half, we weren’t as dynamic and not as dangerous,” Adair concluded. “We gave up a goal late that made the game closer than it should have been.”

The Hokies outshot the Hoosiers, 11-10 and dominated in corner kicks, 9-2. Hokie goalie Kaylyn Smith recorded five saves in earning the victory., with four saves coming after the intermission.

The Hokies, ranked 13th in the NSCAA poll, will complete play in the Hoosier Classic on Sunday at noon, as they face No. 11 West Virginia.