March 24, 2012
Photo GalleryNORFOLK, Va. - After rallying from a four-goal deficit in the first half to take a second half lead, the Old Dominion University Lacrosse team could not pull out a win on Saturday afternoon as Virginia Tech earned the 13-12 win at a soggy Powhatan Sports Complex.
The game, which featured a 36-minute lightning delay late in the second half, featured three lead changes and five ties but the Hokies (6-4) were able to capitalize late coming out of the lightning delay by scoring three of the final four goals including the game-winner by Morgan Widlake on a free position attempt with 1:50 to play.
Three different Lady Monarchs (3-6) recorded hat tricks as senior midfielders Lisa Bernardini, Rebecca Hartrum and Sarah Wright each scored three goals apiece to power the ODU offense while junior midfielder Jordynn Collins set a career-high with two goals scored.
The Hokies were able to jump out to a 6-2 lead early as Widlake paced the Virginia Tech offense with three goals on the day. After an ODU timeout, the Lady Monarchs were able to close within a goal at the break by scoring four of the final five goals of the first half to trail, 7-6.
Old Dominion was able to continue momentum into the second half scoring four of the first five goals and eight of the last 10 goals overall to take a 10-8 lead with just under 20 minutes to play. The Hokies responded to tie the game midway through the second half before Collins' second goal gave ODU back the lead, 11-10. That would be the score with 7:34 to go as play was halted with lightning in the Norfolk area.
After the delay, the Hokies scored two quick goals with five minutes to play to take a brief lead but Bernardini's third goal of the game would knot things back up at 12-12. Virginia Tech then capitalized on a free position attempt with just under two minutes to play when Widlake's third goal of the game got past ODU goalkeeper Sarah Geary. The Hokies then won the draw control and kept the ball away from ODU before finally turning it over with 25 seconds to play. The Lady Monarchs got a last second look at the goal but were unable to get a clean shot away as the Hokies held on for the win.
ODU heads away from home for the next two contests beginning Wednesday when they wrap non-conference action at No. 12 Virginia with first draw set for 7 p.m. Live stats will be available and updates throughout the game will also be on Twitter at @ODULacrosse.