No. 14 Virginia walked away with a key victory to close out the regular season against arch rival No. 19 Virginia Tech after a low-scoring match ending in a close 6-5 game.
The Cavaliers (10-7, 4-3 ACC) came out of the gate swinging, making quick work of the Hokie (11-7, 2-5 ACC) defense with two fast goals by senior attacker Besser Dyson and junior midfielder Kasey Behr. These goals were answered with a free position goal and a fast-break goal by the Hokies.
The torrential downpour that began as the teams were warming up hindered both teams throughout the match.
“The weather played a big factor,” senior defender Maggie Preas said. “It’s already slippery on a dry day in Klӧckner so coming out in the rain is tough. The sticks are wet, you’re going to throw some passes away, drop some balls and let it go out of bounds … Those turnovers really played into it being such a low scoring day.”
The Cavaliers and the Hokies both had trouble maintaining possession of the ball and getting good looks to score — turning the ball over 24 and 21 times, respectively. The weather was also a great hinderance in connecting to the back of the net — preventing hard cuts and making inside passes even more difficult.
In addition to turnover issues, the Hokies ran into trouble with penalties — finding themselves a player down on three instances during just the first half. However, Virginia was only able to take advantage of this opportunity once with a goal scored at the end of the first half by senior attacker Kelly Reese. At the half, the Cavaliers led 4-2.
Virginia Tech opened the second half striking back at Virginia with an early goal by junior attacker Tristan McGinley and another scored 15 minutes later by junior attacker Emma Harden, tying the game 4-4.
The Cavaliers answered with two quick consecutive goals scored by freshman midfielder Sammy Mueller, but a free position shot by Hokie sophomore attacker Zan Biedenharn with four minutes on the clock put the game within reach for the Hokies.
Although both teams struggled to consistently connect offensively, the Cavalier and Hokie defenses were able to step up and make impressive stops. Putting up big numbers for Virginia was junior goalkeeper Rachel Vander Kolk, who was able to once again tie her season high of 12 saves.
“Rachel [Vander Kolk] did an awesome job today,” Coach Julie Myers said. “She saw the ball really well but I also think that the defense in front of her did a great job in letting her do her thing as well. For Rachel to come up with 12 saves and a couple ground balls I think she did an excellent job in leading the defense.”
The Virginia defense was able to do a great job limiting scoring opportunities for the Hokies — forcing them to shoot just 24 percent from the field — and recovering 19 ground balls.
Virginia Tech also put up a tough defensive front that was able to keep Virginia’s top attackers to just two goals apiece.
Junior keeper Meagh Graham made seven saves against Virginia and disrupted what little offensive momentum the Cavaliers had. Graham, who leads Virginia Tech’s renowned defense, was able to play confidently and aggressively — stepping out of the circle to intercept passes and placing the ball well into midfield.
“In a game where it’s raining, I do feel like the defense had the advantage today,” Myers said. “Both goalkeepers are really good and had solid games. It was nice for our defense to keep giving our attack opportunities. We had just enough goals to get out of the this game with a win and I feel that we’re very lucky.”
In the last home game of the regular season, Virginia also celebrated Senior Day, honoring senior attacker Besser Dyson, senior defender Maggie Preas, senior attacker Kelly Reese, senior midfielder Katherine Rueger, senior attacker Posey Valis and senior defender Wyatt Whitley, all of whom made incredible contributions to the program throughout their four years.
With a win to close out the regular season, Virginia secured a No. 3 seed in next week's ACC tournament.
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