No. 16 Virginia Tech tops VCU

After setting two program records for goals and margin of victory in their previous match against LIU-Brooklyn, the Rams fell to No. 16 Virginia Tech 22-7 on the road.

The Hokies got off to a quick start Wednesday, scoring the first two goals of the match. The Rams made a comeback attempt, but the Hokies built an 11-2 lead, and ended the half with a 13-4 advantage. Freshmen Anna Koniencki opened the second half for VCU with a goal, bringing the deficit down to eight.

However, Virginia Tech reeled off three consecutive goals, giving the Hokies a 16-5 edge. Tech never looked back as they scored six consecutive goals to end the match. In the matchup, The Hokies created more opportunities to score and extend the lead. The Rams were outshot 38-21 and the Hokies held a 29-16 advantage in shots-on-goal. The Rams only managed to win nine draw controls, while the Hokies controlled 22.

The Rams were led offensively by junior attacker Molly Barcikowski and sophomore midfielder Keriann McTavish. Both Barcikowski and McTavish scored two goals for the Rams. McTavish scored two goals on just two shot attempts and Barcikowski added a game-high four assists for the Rams. The Black and Gold were led defensively by sophomore keeper Gillian Belfiore and junior midfielder Sofia Emond. Belfiore led the Rams with five saves and Emond tallied a team-high three draw controls.

The Rams have dropped six of their first eight games on the young season. VCU looks to bounce back as they begin A-10 play against cross town rival the University of Richmond Thursday, March 29.

Rodney Robinson, Contributing writer