September 14, 2013
Hokies host ACC-newcomer Syracuse on Sunday
Tech faces Orange for first time since 2003

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team will aim to bounce back from its first loss in 2013 on Sunday afternoon, when it welcomes Atlantic Coast Conference-newcomer Syracuse to Thompson Field for a match scheduled to kick off at noon.

Virginia Tech kicked off its ACC schedule on Thursday evening, when it fell to No. 1-ranked North Carolina in a hard-fought 2-1 decision. Jazmine Reeves tallied the Hokies’ goal on the evening, while Murielle Tiernan came inches away from stealing a draw for Tech when her header was saved on the line in the 90th minute.

The Hokies are now 5-1-1 on the season, after going undefeated in non-conference play for the second consecutive season. Tech is also yet to give up more than two goals in any match this season.

Seven players have found the back of the net for the Hokies this year, as Tech has spread out its production. Two underclassmen have led Tech offensively, as sophomore Ashley Meier and freshman Murielle Tiernan have both recorded five goals and two assists so far. Reeves’s goal against UNC was her fourth on the year, to go with a trio of assists.

The Hokies’ efforts have propelled them into national rankings, as Tech sits at No. 22 in the Soccer America Top 25 and is receiving votes in Top Drawer Soccer’s Top 25.

Syracuse enters Sunday’s match fresh off its first-ever match as a member of the ACC. After joining the conference this season, the Orange opened their conference slate with a tough 3-0 loss at Virginia, the defending conference tournament champion.

The Orange are now 4-3 on the year, after putting together a three-game winning streak during a non-conference homestand. Erin Simon has led Syracuse on offense, racking up 10 points in seven games by way of four goals and a pair of assists. Stephanie Skilton has also proved a crucial contributor, grabbing a trio of goals for herself.

Tech has played Syracuse three times in program history, but the teams have not faced off since 2003. The two sides played a trio of games from 2001-03, with the Orange winning two to Tech’s one. Both of Syracuse’s victories came on its home turf, while the Hokies’ lone win in the series came in Blacksburg.

Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on HokiesXtra and live stats will be available at HokieSports.com. Kickoff is schedule for noon.

For updates on Virginia Tech women's soccer, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_WSoccer).

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