In a match-up of two previously winless teams in ACC play, Virginia Tech dominated N.C. State (5-6-2, 0-5 ACC) in a 4-1 win. Wolfpack senior captain Jessica O’Rourke did not play, as she was suspended for a “violation of team rules,” according to coach Laura Kerrigan.
“The team was distracted [by the suspension], but it’s something we’ll have to move forward with,” sophomore defender Katie Ruiz said.
The team is now at the halfway point in its ACC schedule, and for her 10th straight season, Kerrigan’s squad will do no better than .500 in conference play.
The loss leaves the Pack tied with Maryland at the bottom of the conference. Only eight of the league’s 11 women’s soccer members advance to the ACC Tournament.
“You know, we could still make all our goals this season,” Kerrigan said. “Our goal is to make the NCAA tournament, and we could still do it. I think we need five wins out of our next six games. Everything is still realizable.”
With an ACC record of 0-5 with five ACC games left, four of those coming against nationally-ranked teams like No. 7 Boston College and No. 11 North Carolina, the prospects are dim for advancing to any kind of post-season play.
State’s chances of improving its record were crushed on Sunday due to what Ruiz called a “series of mental mistakes.”
Sydney Little said Virginia Tech was better-prepared for the game.
“They came out ready to play, and we were just a couple steps too slow,” sophomore goalkeeper Little said. “It was kind of a must-win for us, and we didn’t capitalize on our chances. And we let them take advantage of theirs.”
The Hokies’ Laurie Beth Puglisi scored a hat trick with three goals, doubling her goal total for the season. All three of her goals were scored via header. Julian Johnson scored Virginia Tech’s final goal and chased Little from the net.
“It was 4-0,” Kerrigan said. “At some point, you just have to say ‘enough’ and move forward.”
State only mustered one shot in the first half and missed an opportunity to cut into a 2-0 Hokies lead in the second. Freshman Kara Baldy’s rebound opportunity was sent back by a Virginia Tech defender as the goalkeeper lay on the ground.
Ruiz scored off a free kick with four minutes left to play and ended the Hokies’ shutout bid.
“It was nice that we didn’t get shut out,” Ruiz said. “It saved our pride a little more than anything. But, still, a 4-1 loss is a big loss for a game we should have dominated. We definitely should have had a win today.”
