March 8, 2006

BLUFFTON, S.C. - Despite a career-high three goals from sophomore Kady McBrearty, the Virginia Tech lacrosse team could not overcome James Madison's quick start, falling 14-10 to the Dukes in Bluffton, S.C.

The Hokies' record now stands at 2-2 while the Dukes improve to 3-0 on the season.

Sophomore Natasha Fuchs netted the first goal of the day two minutes into the contest on an assist by fellow sophomore Katie Russo. However, James Madison would tally the next six goals over a 10-minute span for a comfortable margin. Tech would trail at the half by five goals, 9-4.

The Dukes would add three more goals before the Hokies would find the back of the net. Trailing 12-4, Tech would score six of the last eight goals of the match, including the next four to cut the deficit in half, but could get no closer as James Madison connected on two more goals to make it 14-8 before the Hokies would score again.

For the match, McBrearty led the Hokies with three goals and an assist. All three goals came in the second half. Junior Lindsay Pieper tallied two goals while Katie Boyle, Rachel Culp, Britt Faulkner, Fuchs and Stephanie Jones all had one.

Faulkner, McBrearty, Pieper and Russo were all credited with an assist in the match.

The Hokies held a slim lead on draw controls, amassing 14 while the Dukes had 13.

Christina Griel totaled a team-best four draw controls while Jamie Webster picked up three. Casey Warner and Webster each forced two turnovers. Jones, Warner, Webster, Jackie Gray and Carrie Hill had two ground balls apiece.

To go along with her two ground balls, Hill stopped 11 shots between the pipes.

The Hokies look to get back on track Saturday at 1 p.m., when they host La Salle in the friendly confines of the Virginia Tech Lacrosse Stadium, where they have won their last three matches, dating back to last season.