BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Tech women’s soccer team picked up its third victory of the season on Sunday afternoon in a 2-0 shut out over George Washington. The win evens the Hokies’ record at 1-1 for the Hawthorn Suites Invitational after Tech dropped its first match of the tournament, 3-1, to Texas A&M on Friday night. Virginia Tech is now 3-2-0 on the season.

The Hokies had several scoring opportunities in the first half and amassed 10 shots, four on goal, in the opening frame. However, Tech and GW would enter halftime tied 0-0.

Just under two minutes into the first half, Tech junior Julian Johnson nearly scored on a shot inside the box, but the ball was blocked by a Colonial player just outside the net.

Virginia Tech threatened again in the 6^th minute when sophomore Jennifer Harvey led junior Emily Jukich with a pass inside the GW box. The Colonial keeper rushed out to prevent the score and Jukich’s hurried shot just barely hit the post and went wide of the goal.

After the intermission, Tech would break the stalemate in the 69^th minute. Redshirt freshman Stephanie Hylton delivered ball into the Colonial box and a foot-race to the ball ensued between Jukich and Colonial keeper Lindsey Rowe. Jukich won the sprint and headed the ball past a diving Rowe for her third goal of the season. Hylton was credited with the assist, her first of the season and the first of her career.

Unsatisfied with a slim 1-0 lead, the Hokies scored again less than three minutes later. Sophomore Marika Gray received the ball outside the box and used a quick step to beat the first defender, then edged a second GW defender to have a wide open look at the net. Gray took advantage of the clear view and drilled a shot to the upper corner of the net. Gray has now scored a goal in four of the Hokies five games and leads the team with 10 points.

Freshman goalkeeper Kristen Carden registered the shut out in her first career start for Tech. Colonial keeper Rowe made 10 saves in the game while allowing two goals.

The Hokies have the week off before traveling to Winston-Salem for the Wake Forest Nike Tournament. Tech faces 2007 Big West champion Cal State Fullerton at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 then takes on 2007 Atlantic 10 champion Charlotte at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.