Final Score: Virginia Tech 14, VCU 8
Location: Richmond, Va.
Records: VCU 0-1, Virginia Tech 1-0
 
The Short Story: The Rams trailed the Hokies 8-3 at halftime before reeling off three unanswered goals to get within 8-6 in third quarter. Virginia Tech responded with four straight goals of their own to fend off the VCU rally.
 
QUICK FACTS:

• The two teams were even 24-24 in total shot attempts with the Hokies having a slim 20-17 edge in shots on goal
• Virginia Tech also held a slight 15-12 advantage in draw controls
• The Rams went just 3-of-6 on free position shots while Tech was 3-of-3
• Kelsey McDonnell scored a team-high three goals while Riley O'Malley scored two goals and added an assist
• Juliana George scored one goal along with one assist
• Mason Whitmore and Mia George each scored once while Savannah Slack had one assist
• Meghna Dawar made six saves in goal for the Rams
• Virginia Tech was led by Hannah Mardiney who had three goals and one assist

 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• VCU scored two of the game's first three goals to go up 2-1 with 6:33 left in the first quarter following a goal from Mason Whitmore
• Virginia Tech then outscored the Rams 7-1 to take an 8-3 lead at halftime with Mia George scoring the lone VCU goal during the Hokies' run
• The Rams opened the second half reeling off three unanswered goals with one each from McDonnell, Juliana George and O'Malley. The run cut the VCU deficit to 8-6 with 8:01 left in the third
• The Hokies slowed VCU's offense for the remainder of the contest, outscoring the Rams 6-2 for the remainder of the contest and preventing a VCU comeback

 
UP NEXT:
VCU hosts in-state rival ODU on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for a 1 p.m. draw. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.