University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
4-1, 3-0
Virginia Tech
3-3, 1-2
Pitt Lacrosse Moves to 2-0 in ACC Play for the First Time in Program History
2/22/2026 5:40:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH - Pitt lacrosse earned another historic win Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium, leading wire to wire in a win over Virginia Tech 10-8.
Kaitlyn Giandonato matched her career high with five goals in the game and Molly Cain recorded 10 saves for the second time this season to protect the Panther net.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Pitt defense came to play early on Sunday, not allowing a single Hokie goal in the first quarter. The defensive effort gave the Panther attack time to get into the game and Paige Telatovich, Maureen McNierney and Giandonato each tallied a score to give the hosts a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.
The second period continue to be a battle of the back lines, but Virginia Tech was able to score twice to only one by the Panthers (Gigi Leonzi). Pitt reestablished their control of the game in the third with two goals by Giandonato and another by Telatovich.
The game opened up in the fourth quarter, as the two teams combined for eight goals (vs. only 10 the rest of the contest). The Hokies threatened the Panther lead late in the ACC matchup, but two Giandonato goals plus one from McNierney and a late save from Cain sealed the deal for the home victory.
Lainey McGonagle put together another gritty performance on the defense, with four ground balls and four caused turnovers. The sophomore compiled five GBs and 10 CTs this week.
GAME NOTES
• Giandonato scored five goals, matching her single-game high.
• The win gave Pitt a 2-0 start in ACC games for the first time in program history.
UP NEXT
The Panthers have the midweek off and will travel to South Bend to play Notre Dame Saturday. The game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
