No. 7 Duke Outlasts Virginia Tech, 15-14

Thursday, April 7

Blacksburg, VA

7 PM

Duke University

Virginia Tech

No. 7 Duke Outlasts Virginia Tech, 15-14

4/7/2022 9:32:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The seventh-ranked Duke women's lacrosse team captured a 15-14 victory on the road against Virginia Tech Thursday evening in Blacksburg, Va.

With the win, the Blue Devils improve to 14-1 overall and 5-1 in the ACC. Duke's record is its best start through 15 games since 2006 when head coach Kerstin Kimel's squad reached the NCAA semifinal game.

Duke was led offensively by Katie DeSimone and Abby Landry with five and three goals, respectively. Thursday marked back-to-back hat tricks for Landry while Catriona Barry tallied a career-high six assists. DeSimone and defender Cubby Biscardi paced the defense with three ground balls each.

Duke tallied the first two goals of the contest in the first six minutes from Landry and DeSimone before Virginia Tech capitalized on its offensive opportunities with three unanswered for a 3-2 lead. Duke's defense picked up the pace as Johnston tallied her second caused turnover and helped spark the offense as Jenner charged toward the goal and tied it up (3-3) at the end of the first quarter.

The second stanza was a back-and-forth battle as both teams were locked at seven heading into the half. The early 30 minutes featured six ties. Barry assisted on three of Duke's four goals in the second quarter, while Callahan ripped an absolute rocket to the top of the goal for her 17th of the season.

At the half, Duke was outshooting Virginia Tech 14-12 and won the draw control 10-6.

Even at seven apiece, the two squads traded goals before Duke registered its largest lead of the game (13-8) with three five goals in five minutes. Barry spurred the run with her vision, dishing assists on three straight goals, pushing her total to six on the evening.

Leading 13-8 at the start of the fourth frame, the Hokies attempted to answer with two goals, but Duke continued to hold a four-goal lead. The fourth quarter was highlighted by DeSimone's shot to the side of the goal with just under six minutes remaining. Virginia Tech refused to go away and made it a one-possession game with 1:45 remaining (15-14), setting up a crucial ensuing draw control. Jenner won her 18th of the contest and helped Duke run the clock out for the victory.

Virginia Tech was led by Olivia Vergano with five goals while goalkeeper Morgan Berman tallied 10 saves between the pipes.

Up next, Duke will face No. 2 Boston College for its final home game of the regular season on April 16. Duke will recognize its seniors with opening draw set for a 1 p.m., on ACCNX.

For more information on Duke women's lacrosse, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "DukeWLAX.

#GoDuke