April 9, 2004

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Virginia Tech lacrosse team was defeated by Syracuse, 12-7, Friday afternoon at the Carrier Dome.

The Hokies (5-5, 2-3) used a balanced attack, with five different players netting goals, but it wasn't enough to hold off the No. 11 Orangewomen (7-2, 2-2). Both keepers had a strong day in the cage with Syracuse's Jennifer Kasel stopping 13 and Tech's Jamie McGraw recording 13 saves. Lindsey Welch had two goals for the Hokies, while Kate Threadgold tallied two assists. Lindsey Pieper and Jamie Webster each recorded a season- high four ground balls.

The Hokies started the scoring off quick with a goal 26 seconds into the game by freshman Pieper off of a pass from Kate Threadgold. After strong defensive play on both ends of the field, Virginia Tech scored its second time with a goal by sophomore Stephanie Jones and an assist by Threadgold. A free position goal by Tech senior Lindsey Welch put the Hokies up 3-0 with 20:17 left in the half.

Syracuse responded with a 6-0 run at the 18:47 mark in the first to take a 6-3 lead. Senior Hilary Fay got Tech back into the game off a pass from freshman Kelsey Mays with 4:04 left in the half. With 24 seconds to go in the half, Britt Faulkner scored from Kristin Loughlin to put Tech within two, 7-5, heading into the locker room.

Syracuse starting the scoring off in the second with a free position goal by Leigh-Ann Zimmer. Mays netted her second goal of the day on a free position attempt at 26:19. With 18:04 on the clock in the second, the Orangewomen scored three unanswered goals to raise their lead, 11-6. Welch netted her second goal of the game at the 3:40 mark to but Tech within 4, but four is as close as they would come. Tech was defeated, 12-7.

The Hokies return to action for an Easter game with Ohio University (5-4) on Sunday, April 11. The game at the Virginia Tech Lacrosse Stadium begins at 1 p.m.