BLACKSBURG, Va. – Charlotte had good opportunities in the second half to trim an early deficit but could not mount the comeback, dropping a 2-0 decision at Virginia Tech Friday evening at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Va.

The 49ers found themselves down just one goal after the opening period despite a 10-0 shot advantage by the host Hokies, who received votes in this week’s NSCAA national poll and were tied for No. 7 by the same organization in the Southeast Region rankings.

Virginia Tech took control with an own goal at 30:02 after a low cross by Jasmine Reeves deflected off a group of Charlotte (3-1) defenders. It marks the first own goal the Niners have surrendered since a previous meeting between the two schools, when the Niners picked up a 3-2 triumph Aug. 25, 2000, in the season opener at Transamerica Field.

The Hokies kept the pressure on the 49ers through the remainder of the frame, owning a 3-0 edge on corner kicks.

It was in the second half when Virginia Tech (4-0-1) took full advantage of the multitude of corner kicks, tallying the game’s second goal at 52:54 when Murielle Tiernan headed home a set piece from Kelsey Loupee to decide the final margin.

Charlotte fired all six of its shots in the second stanza, owning a 6-2 edge in the category against the Hokies. Alex Meyers paced the 49ers with two shots, while Rebecca Beatty, Maddie Kiebel, Jessica Ryan and Jennifer Lee each were credited with one.

Alex Kubrick registered three saves on 11 Virginia Tech attempts, though most were during the first 45 minutes. Dayle Colpitts stopped one Charlotte shot for the shutout.

The 49ers will look to get back on track when they stay on the road for a 2 p.m. Sunday meeting with Western Carolina in Cullowhee, N.C.

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