Hokies, Irish set for match up in South Bend

Tech looks to end three-game slide, notch first victory against Notre Dame

April 14, 2017

	1	2	F
(16) Virginia Tech (11-6)	4	5	9
(12) Notre Dame (11-5)	5	8	13
Arlotta Stadium - 552 Box Score

BLACKSBURG- The No. 16 Virginia Tech lacrosse team travels to No. 12 Notre Dame on Saturday for an ACC matchup. First draw is set for 12 p.m. from Arlotta Family Lacrosse Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Digital Network.

The Hokies (11-5, 2-3)
Tech suffered its second consecutive defeat in overtime last time out against Syracuse. A sudden victory goal from Mary Rahal with 4:37 on the clock won the game for the Orange after Taylor Caskey sent the game into the extra period with a goal in the closing seconds of regulation. Marissa Davey led all Hokies with three goals in the game, while Emma Harden, Kristine Loscalzo and Tristan McGinley all contributed two goals. Meagh Graham once again played well in between the posts, making 10 saves for Tech.

The Hokies are still looking for win number 12 on the season, which would set the new program record for wins in a season. The 2017 team is currently tied with the 1999 team at 11 wins.

Tech enters the game with a 5-1 record in road contests in 2017.

The Fighting Irish (10-4, 3-1)
In its last game, the Irish defeated Kennesaw State 24-4 on the road. Cortney Fortunado paced the team with eight goals and 11 points. Grace Muller, Casey Pearsall and Samantha Lynch each contributed three goals for Notre Dame, who tied their highest offensive output of the season.

On the season, Notre Dame is averaging 14.27 goals per game, third best in the ACC. Fortunado is seventh in the nation with 50 goals. As a team, the Irish defense gives up 9.80 goals per game behind their two goalkeepers, Samantha Giacolone and Grace Steffens.

Notre Dame has a 5-2 record in home contests this season.

The Series
The Irish own a 7-0 advantage in the all-time series against the Hokies. Last season in Blacksburg, Loscalzo, Tara Feehan, McGinley and Zan Biedenharn each contributed a goal in a game that saw Notre Dame win 19-10.

Tech and the Irish have played six common opponents in 2017; Liberty, Elon, Duke, Louisville, Syracuse, and North Carolina. Notre Dame has gone 5-1, while Tech is 2-4 against those teams.

Next up: Virginia Tech plays at Virginia on Saturday, April 22 in the regular season finale. First draw is scheduled for 1 p.m. Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

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