Women's Soccer Defeated by No. 16 Virginia Tech, 4-1

Jackie Stengel scores eighth goal of the season in loss to Hokies

RALEIGH, N.C. – Beginning a stretch of home matches which will see the Wolfpack play six of its final nine regular-season contests at home, the NC State women's soccer team fell to visiting No. 16 Virginia Tech Thursday night, 4-1. 

The Hokies (9-1-1, 4-1-0 ACC) raced out to an early 2-0 lead in the first half before State battled back in the second. Freshman Jackie Stengel's tally in the 60th minute pulled the Wolfpack (6-5-0, 1-4-0 ACC) within one goal with 30 minutes left, but Virginia Tech was able to take advantage of two more late scoring opportunities to end the match at 4-1.

Virginia Tech took an early lead in the sixth minute of the match, scoring on somewhat of a broken play. Ashley Meier was able to dispossess a Wolfpack defender and make a brisk run up the goal line. The sophomore then slipped a shot past goalkeeper Mackenzie Stelljes (Charlotte, N.C.) to put her side up 1-0. The goal was Meier's sixth of the season.

The Wolfpack owned the next few minutes, holding possession well and putting pressure on the Tech defense. Stengel (Melbourne, Fla.) had the Pack's best chance of the first half, hitting a snap header just wide of the target in the 15th minute.

The Hokies were able to double their lead in the 19th minute on a penalty. Following Jasmine Reeves suffering a foul in the box, Katie Yensen stepped up to the penalty spot and narrowly beat Stelljes. The Pack's Stelljes guessed correctly but was unable to parry the shot aside.  

In the 60th minute, Meagan Proper (Garner, N.C.) lofted a beautiful cross from 35 yards out towards the far post. Stengel (Melbourne, Fla.) leapt up in front of her defender and directed it towards the far corner to collect her eighth goal of the season and pull the Pack within one.

NC State kept up the pressure over the next few minutes, hitting another shot on target when Stengel nearly tied the match from 20 yards away.

Virginia Tech was able to take advantage of a loose ball well away from goal in the 75th minute when Taylor Antolino struck a shot which beat Stelljes to the near post. The Hokies then added one more goal in the 78th minute, when Morgan Conklin crossed a ball into the box to find the head of teammate Katie DeTuro.

NC State will next be in action on Sunday, Sept. 29 when Boston College comes to town. The Wolfpack and Eagles will kick off from Dail Soccer Field at 1 p.m., with the match scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN3.

 #GoPack

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