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BLACKSBURG - Four years ago, when Chugger Adair began his new position as the head coach of the Hokies, the 2014 seniors were also beginning something new. They arrived on campus and began to write a new chapter in their lives as college students, but they were also writing a new chapter in the history of Virginia Tech women’s soccer.

Amid the most successful four years of any class in Virginia Tech women’s soccer history, this year’s seniors led the Hokies to yet another year of success, earning a third trip to the Sweet 16 and tallying record-breaking offensive and defensive numbers.

“Anytime you get into the NCAA Tournament and get a couple wins in there you have to consider it a good season,” Adair said. “I know the girls worked hard and we got better throughout the year and we were in good form throughout the year. I’m happy with the way we played overall.”

The Hokies tallied a 16-6 record this season and finished the year as the 14th-ranked team in the final NSCAA rankings. In the NCAA Tournament, Tech advanced to its second-straight Sweet 16 after beating Georgetown, 4-3, in a thrilling overtime contest.

In 22 games, the Hokies amassed a record-breaking 62 goals and were sixth in the NCAA in scoring offense, averaging 2.62 goals per game. The Hokie attack was led by sophomore Murielle Tiernan, who scored 14 goals, the third-most by any player in any single season in Tech history. Senior Shannon Mayrose was the team’s second-leading scorer with eight goals, and fellow senior Katie Yensen was tied with Tiernan for the team lead in assists with six.

Tech’s defense was also stellar, setting a new school record for fewest goals allowed at 18. The experienced group was led by two seniors, Jodie Zelenky and Danielle King, and two juniors, Jordan Coburn and Morgan Conklin, as well as sophomore defensive midfielder Candace Cephers.

“Two records stand out to me when I look back at this season: 18 goals against, 62 for,” Adair commented. “I didn’t know throughout the season that we were setting those records. We were very offensive-minded and I was proud of that. The girls played good, attractive soccer while we weren’t afraid to go forward. I think we established a little bit of a tempo in that style of play that I think is a fun style of play.”

It seemed fitting for these seniors to cap off their unprecedented careers with record-breaking numbers, considering these records as well: the first four-year class to post at least 13 wins in all four years of competition, the first senior class to push past the 60-win career milestone with 62 career wins.

“The seniors had a tremendous four years here,” Adair answered when asked about the six soon-to-be graduates. “What they were able to accomplish as a group and as individuals - the growth, development was tremendous for them and for our program. They will be great supporters for the program in the future, and they have been tremendous ambassadors for the program over the years. It’s sad to see them go for all that they’ve done, but it was really nice to see their development and growth as young women.”

With successful seasons, recognition usually follows and this year is no exception. Since the season ended, Tech has garnered 13 individual awards for the 2014 season including four NSCAA All-Southeast Region selections, six All-ACC selections, one Capital One Academic All-American (Katie Yensen) and two Capital One Academic All-District selections. More awards are expected to come when the VaSID All-State teams are announced.

As the 2014 season finished a chapter of success for this year’s senior class, it paved a way for future classes to continue to write the story of Virginia Tech women’s soccer.

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