Aug. 26, 2006

Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech women's soccer team and George Mason opened the season with a 1-1 draw, Friday. The game, played at the Virginia Tech Soccer Stadium, was the season opener for both teams.

Each team remained scoreless until the 31st minute, when the Patriots' Rachel Wiggins scored the first goal of the game, lofting it over Hokie keeper Mallory Soldner. Seven minutes later, Tech's Julian Johnson unleashed a 20-yard throw-in, allowing Laurie Beth Puglisi to flick a header on goal. The shot ricocheted off a Mason defender to the foot of Gina Om. Om put the ball behind George Mason's keeper, Kasey Davenport, tying the game at one-all. Tech ended the first half leading in shots (9-3) and corner kicks (3-0), while Davenport had three saves.

Virginia Tech launched nine shots in the second half, five of which where at the goal. Although the score would remain tied, Tech's best chance of the half came when Emily Jukich faked Davenport, giving Jukich an open net. Patriot Hannah Sklar rushed to the net and prevented the Hokie goal with a header. George Mason recorded four shots during the half.

In the two resulting overtime periods, Tech put in six shots, including a shot by Laurie Beth Puglisi in the first overtime that caused the Patriot's Davenport to dive across the goalmouth for the save. The Patriots had one shot on goal during both extra periods. Neither team scored the golden goal, ending the game in a tie.

Tech dominated in shots, 24-8, and corner kicks, 5-1. Mason's Davenport led in saves, 10-2.

The Hokies return to Tech Soccer Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m., to take on the Radford Highlanders.