Collegiate Times

The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team took down the Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds 3-0 at Thompson Field on Sunday.

Coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Nebraska Friday night, the Hokies (7-1-0) were looking to get back to form against the reeling Loyola team.

Tech came out strong in the first half, dominating possession early on. Quick breaks from Jazmine Reeves and Kelly Conheeney tested Loyola keeper Didi Haracic multiple times, one of them being a breakaway for Reeves that was turned away.

Despite out-shooting the Greyhounds 13-1, the Hokies went into halftime scoreless. The team had been knocking on the door the entire first half, and its frustration was visible.  

Defender Julia Goldsworthy was busy not only showing great vision in multiple passes that jumpstarted the offense, but also repeatedly stopping the Greyhounds’ attacks.

“We went 0-0 into halftime,” Goldsworthy said. “We knew one minor slip-up and we’d be down.”

The Hokies knew at that point they had to start converting opportunities into goals.

Tech didn’t waste much time getting going in the second half. They finally found the net in the 50th minute on a Brittany Michels header that came off of a corner, delivered by freshman Kelsey Loupee.

The Hokies ceased to let up from that point on. Reeves had a wonderful chance just outside the Loyola goalie box, only to be fouled, earning Tech a free kick, which was given to Conheeney.

Conheeney has been on fire this season, netting eight goals in eight games. She made Loyola pay for the foul, and fired a scorcher over the Loyola defenders and into the left corner of the net for the second goal of the game.

“I’ve taken more of a leadership role this year and felt like I needed to step it up,” Conheeney said. “I’m an attacking midfielder, and it’s part of my job to score goals.”

Tech added to their tally in the 78th minute when senior Katie Cramp headed a cross from midfielder Anne Lumpkin into the net. 

The late goal essentially sealed the deal for the Hokies, who finished the game outshooting Loyola 25-1. Tech’s defense didn’t allow a shot during the entire second half.

Head coach Charles Adair commented on how the team was able to turn things around in the second half.

“Fortunately, the first two goals came off set pieces, which are extremely important in our game,” Adair said. “That helped turn the game around for us and open it up.”  

Tech knows the tough competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference will require more offensive efficiency.

“We need to take our chances when we get them,” Adiar said. “We’re not going to get 25 shots in a game moving forward.”

The Hokies prepare for ACC play to begin on Sept. 18 against the No. 3 ranked Maryland Terrapins. The Hokies’ next game is at home against Appalachian State on Thursday, Sept. 15. 

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A version of this article appeared in the Sep 14 issue of the Collegiate Times.