University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
3-8 (0-5ACC)
Virginia Tech
8-4 (2-3ACC)
Hendrickson Hat Trick Not Enough as Pitt Loses Close One to Virginia Tech
3/23/2024 5:32:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH, PA – The Panthers saw another chance at an ACC win slip through their grasp Saturday, as Virginia Tech came out on top of the back and forth conference battle at Highmark Stadium 13-9.
Neither team was able to establish clear control through the first three quarters of play. The largest lead for Pitt or Virginia Tech was only a margin of one through 45 minutes.
Only four goals were scored in total in the first 15 minutes of play, with the Hokies opening up the scoring almost nine minutes into the action. Less than two minutes later though, Pitt got their first with Jenna Hendrickson's 23rd goal of the season. Maureen McNierney put in her seventh to give the Panthers their first lead of the day, but a foul was committed by the Pitt defense with less than two seconds left and VT converted from the free position to know things at two after one.
Things opened up a bit in the second period as the two squads combined for nine goals. The Hokies got their third goal of the day from leading goal scorer, Olivia Vergano, before Pitt responded 35 seconds later off a second Hendrickson score. The goals alternated back and forth three more times in the quarter, with Hendrickson, Camdyn O'Donnell and Ava Washington netting the points for the Panthers. Vergano slotted her second of the day and 25th of the season before halftime to give Virginia Tech the one-goal lead (7-6) heading into the locker room.
Pitt responded after the break with a goal by Kaitlyn Giandonato to tie the game again, but then as was typical on the day, the Hokies got one back right away. The only two-goal streak for Pitt came next as McNierney and O'Donnell each scored their second goals of the game to retake the lead for the home team, 9-8. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Virginia Tech scored the last two of the quarter and the only goals (3) of the final period of play to come away with the four-goal win.
Statistically, Pitt put in a solid performance recording the most ground balls (23) and caused turnovers (19) that they have in 2024 and also recording a perfect 100% clear percentage and limiting themselves to only 13 turnovers. The 19 caused turnovers is also a new all-time program high. Individually, Hendrickson netted her fifth game this year with at least a hat trick and defenders Rachel Familetti and Megan Sheridan had complete performances with 3 GB and 4 CT and 4 GB and 2 CT's a piece.
Pitt now returns to the road for another ACC matchup, this time with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Saturday, March 30. For all things Pitt Lacrosse, follow the Panthers on Instagram and X: @Pitt_WLAX.
