Memorable days continue to pile up at the home of the Notre Dame women's lacrosse season. Saturday's game against Virginia Tech joins that list, as the Irish ride into Blacksburg and cruise to a 20-9 victory over Virginia Tech, handing head coach Christine Halfpenny her 150th win as an Irish player. Ta.
Notre Dame improved to 13-2 overall, 6-2 in the ACC, and also set a program record for points against Virginia Tech. The team's offense was consistent throughout the game, with the Irish scoring at least four goals in each quarter, including the third as Notre Dame shut out the Hokies with seven points.
Notre Dame got off to a strong start at Thompson Field, extending its winning streak to eight games. The Irish controlled each of the first four draws of the game, building a 5-1 scoring advantage in the first 12 minutes of the game. Graduate attacker and draw specialist Arden Tierney spearheaded the early attack, scoring each of Notre Dame's first two goals and then assisting on his team's fourth goal. Her tight spinning finish gave the Irishman the lead just 73 seconds into the match.
In the second quarter, Virginia Tech was pulled back within the goal by consecutive attacks from Paige Tyson. But Tierney and graduate attacker Madison Ahern each scored a hat trick seven minutes before halftime, regaining a three-point lead over Notre Dame and keeping momentum intact with the Irish.
Any lingering doubts about Notre Dame's chances of winning quickly dissipated during a one-sided third quarter. Graduate attacker Jackie Wallach completed her hat trick with a goal with three and a half minutes left in the half. Then graduate midfielder Casey Choma, who surprisingly went scoreless in the first half, scored four goals in 11 minutes. The third goal was a great behind-the-back finish that helped lead the Irish to a decisive 7-0 victory over Virginia Tech in the third quarter.
Controlling the game well, Notre Dame cruised to an 11-goal victory in the final period. Ahern, who was the team's leading scorer on the day with a season-high five goals and two assists, added another goal with 5:42 remaining. Wallach and Choma were right behind her with four goals, while Tierney finished the day with three. Senior midfielder and draw specialist Kelly Deans had his usual success in the draw circle for Notre Dame, controlling eight draws as part of an 18-13 Irish advantage in the circle. . Notre Dame also took chances overall, making 8-of-8 free position shots, but the Hokies only scored in those situations twice.
In the cage for Ireland, senior goalie Lily Callaghan had another sharp performance, holding her fifth consecutive opponent to single-digit goals. She allowed just eight goals in 55 minutes and made seven saves before giving way to junior backup Isabel Pichy.
As the regular season draws to a close, only 7-9 Louisville stands between Notre Dame and a perfect season away from home. The Cardinals have lost four straight games in the ACC, most recently in a close game against Duke on Friday.
Notre Dame and Louisville will meet at noon Thursday at UofL La Crosse Stadium in the final regular season game for both teams.
