No. 21 Hokies fall 2-1 to LibertyNo. 21 Hokies fall 2-1 to Liberty
Women's Soccer

No. 21 Hokies fall 2-1 to Liberty

Sophie Maltese nets her first goal of the season.

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Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. – No. 21 Virginia Tech fell to Liberty, 2-1, on Thursday night at Thompson Field.

Sophie Maltese netted her first goal of the season in the loss. The Hokies move to 5-1-1 on the season.

How it Happened
Liberty had the Hokies on their heels early and struck first in the 31st minute to take a 1-0 lead. Despite the goal, Virginia Tech responded with a goal of its own in the 33rd minute to tie the match. A beautiful cross from Ava Arengo set up a header by Sophie Maltese that snuck into the top corner of the net.

A back-and-forth for most of the first half, Liberty ended the first 45 outshooting the Hokies 6-4.

The Lady Flames took the lead once again in the 51st minute, but the Hokies kept battling. A key save from Lauren Hargrove in the 57th minute kept Liberty from scoring a third goal, but Tech was unable to find the back of the net throughout the rest of the contest.

It’s the first loss of the season for the No. 21 Hokies after starting the season 5-0-1.

Game Notes
• The Hokies suffered their first loss of the season after starting 5-0-1 through the first six matches.
• The two goals against the Lady Flames are the most the Hokies have allowed all season.
• It’s the first time this season that the Hokies had fewer shots (9) and corners (5) than its opponent.
• Sophie Maltese scored her first goal of the season.
• She is the 10th different Hokie to record a goal this season.
• It’s also the 10th goal of her career.
• Ava Arengo recorded her first career assist.
• Kylie Marschall, Maysen Nelson, Emma Pelkowski and Aino Vuorinen played the entirety of the match.
• Annie DeHaan made her first collegiate start.
• Lauren Hargrove played the entirety of the match and recorded two saves.

Up Next
No. 21 Virginia Tech (5-1-1) travels to face Northwestern on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. in Evanston, Ill.

Adair's postgame comments vs. Liberty