Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): Needing a win to close their regular season out strong, the UVA Women’s soccer team marched down Interstate 81 to Blacksburg, faced the #12 ranked Virgina Tech Hokies, and took one. The Hoos just fell out of the top 25 despite their victory at Clemson last time out, but with Commonwealth Clash points and the chance at some playoff momentum going into the NCAA tournament next week on the line, they delivered in front of a tough crowd.
It would prove to be a low-scoring affair, and the game’s only materialized on the first attacking spell for Virginia. After taking their first few shots of the game against opposing keeper Lauren Hargrove, Virginia earned itself a corner in the 12th minute. Lia Godfrey provided the service, and Meredith McDermott the stunning volley goal, her fifth goal of the year and fourth game-winning strike. And as it turned out, Victoria Safradin and the UVA defense only needed one goal. Strong communication and compact positioning did the rest. VT even outshot the Hoos in the second half 9-7, but there was no answer for the young Croatian international. Safradin and her defense kept their sixth clean sheet of the season and second in a row. The Hokies were perhaps a little unlucky to get an equalizer, but the numbers back up their play, though they came alive in the last 15 minutes of play, the Hoos did just enough to weather the storm and earn their 12th win on the year, ending their season on a high note.
With their victory, the Hoos can take a step back, stay ready and sharp, but also rest before the NCAA tournament begins on November 15th. They also now lead the Commonwealth Clash 2-0 over Virginia Tech after the Men’s soccer team’s earlier win against the Hokies.
