DAVIDSON, N.C. - Davidson's Melanee Smith recorded one goal and one assist as the host Wildcats slipped past Virginia Tech 2-1 in the season opener for both teams at Alumni Field.

The two squads played evenly and the match was scoreless for the majority of the first half. However, in the 34^th minute, Davidson's Kyri Bye-Nagel, the Wildcats' leader in goals scored and total points from a year ago, received a pass from Smith and fired a shot to the back of the net to give Davidson a 1-0 lead.

Less than two minutes later, Smith provided another offense spark for the Wildcats and added a goal to put Davidson up 2-0 heading into halftime.

Tech was able to regroup after intermission and shut down the hosts for the rest of the match as the Wildcats did not get a shot off in the final 45 minutes.

The Hokies offense came alive early in the second period. In the 53^rd minute, sophomore Jennifer Harvey scored her second career goal off an assist from junior Julian Johnson to cut the Davidson lead to 2-1. With the assist, Johnson now owns sole possession of first place in the Tech record book for career assists. The junior from Norfolk, Va., has accumulated 18 assists during her career with the Hokies.

Tech would go on to out-shoot the Wildcats in the second half 9-0 but was unable to even the score.

Freshman Christy Carry started in goal for Davidson, allowing one goal while recording three saves. Loring Ward entered the game for an injured Carry and made two saves to shut out the Hokies the rest of the way. Redshirt senior Ashley Owens recorded a save in goal for Tech.

Virginia Tech returns to action on Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at the newly christened Sandra D. Thompson Field for the Hokies home opener against the Evansville Purple Aces. The Hokies will also face George Mason at home on Sunday Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.