BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech scored three times in the second half for a 3-0 win over the NC State women’s soccer team Sunday afternoon from Thompson Field.
With the victory, Virginia Tech is now 6-4-2 on the season and improves to 1-1-2 in conference action, while NC State falls to 8-5 overall and 0-3 in the league.
Both squads played a tough opening half with the Wolfpack having the better scoring chances and holding a 5-4 edge in shots.
Briana Cunningham had two great chances in the first half and almost gave the Wolfpack an early lead at the 23:43 mark on an open shot from the right side, but the ball grazed the post and deflected out of bounds.
The remaining minutes of the opening frame resulted in a defensive battle on both sides and the first half closed with a 0-0 score.
The Hokies tallied their first goal by Emily Jukich in the 67th minute. Junior Julian Johnson set up the Jukich score by lifting a cross into the Wolfpack box. Jukich capitalized on the move and headed the ball into the net.
Virginia Tech added another score at the 74:58 mark when Jukich slipped the ball to Niki King and she fired home the shot, putting the Hokies up 2-0.
A minute later, Jukich struck again to round out the day’s scoring.
Freshman Kristin Carden started in goal for Tech and made one save, while combining with Ashley Owens for the shutout victory. Wolfpack keeper Rachel Barnette allowed three goals and posted five saves in the match.
The Wolfpack concludes its four-game road stretch at Clemson on Thursday in Clemson, S.C. at 7 p.m.
Courtesy: Karl DeBlaker
