Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Virginia Tech
@HerdWSoccer Falls to Virginia Tech in Scrimmage, 6-0
8/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Marshall women's soccer faced Virginia Tech in its only exhibition match of the season and dropped a 6-0 decision to the Hokies on Saturday afternoon at Thompson Field.
"Virginia Tech played like a top-20 team in the country, and we looked like a team that had some learning to do," Herd coach Kevin Long said. "We gave up too many opportunities inside the box, and when that happens, any opposing team will have the advantage."
The teams played an altered format of three 30-minute periods. Kallie Peurifoy got the offense started for VT in the ninth minute, scoring from 10 yards out on a cross from Ashley Meier. Murielle Tiernan had back-to-back goals assisted by Jordan Coburn and Laila Gray, respectively, in the 22nd and 24th minutes. Madi Conyers closed out the first period by finishing a rebound off Gray's shot to give the Hokies a 4-0 advantage at the first break.
Seven minutes into the second period, Caroline Kerns broke away from the Herd defense and buried a ball in the top right corner of the net from 10 yards away. Marshall held off the Hokies for the next 20 minutes, but Alani Johnson delivered the final blow at the 58 minute mark inside the box to make it 6-0.
On the positive side, the Herd's defense stood strong in the final period, allowing zero goals. Marshall played a freshman-laden lineup towards the end of action and kept the Hokies at bay. Senior midfielder Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) led the Herd with three shots, all on-target. Freshman Jenna Zuzolo (Tipp City, Ohio) took three strikes as well. Veteran keeper Lizzie Kish (Boyertown, Pa.) played 79 minutes in goal, making three saves and taking six goals against her. Sophomore Emily Moreland (Springboro, Ohio) took over for 11 minutes in the third period and had a clean sheet with zero goals and zero saves.
The Herd is set to begin its 2015 regular season at Monmouth on Aug. 21.
For all the latest information about Marshall women's soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.
---HerdZone.com---
