The gloomy, rain-stricken weather on Wednesday afternoon at Thompson Field did well to reflect the feelings of the Hokies (4-7, 1-3 ACC) after their third straight loss, this time to No.5 North Carolina (8-2, 2-0 ACC), by a score of 12-8.
The Tar Heels came out strong, winning the opening draw and scoring two goals in the first 63 seconds. Tech's slow start continued as turnovers and penalties added up, leading to a breakaway goal by Carolina's Kristen Taylor -- who finished with five goals on the afternoon.
What was looking like another blowout loss to a highly-ranked conference opponent, however, quickly turned into a close contest.
Eight minutes in, Tech sophomore Dylan Garner answered the Heels' 3-0 run with a goal off of a free-possession shot.
The Hokies settled their attack, passing around and getting off four shots over three minute.
Although they did not score, North Carolina quickly turned it over and the Hokies were able to capitalize.
Freshman Jessica Nonn scored her 21st goal of the season for Tech off an assist from senior Rachel Culp.
With its lead cut to one, North Carolina was quick to call a timeout.
Coming out of the break, the Hokies answered with a draw control and another goal, this time by Culp. It was her 32nd on the year and it tied the game.
The Heels responded with a goal from Becky Lynch off a second-chance opportunity.
Sophomore Allie Emala countered with one of her own just under the six minute mark in the first half.
Down by one after a UNC goal, the Hokies and Heels both traded scores until the final six seconds, when Carolina's Corey Donahue scored off a free-possession shot caused by Tech being offsides.
This put the Hokies down two at the half, 7-5.
Down 10-7, Tech went on an almost 12-minute scoring hiatus, as the Heels built their lead.
Emala cut the lead back to four with 3:38 remaining, but it was too little too late for a Hokie comeback victory.
They will come back to action this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Old Dominion for senior day.