Pittsburgh – Virginia Tech (5-1-3) began its ACC season with a 2-1 comeback win against the Pitt Panthers on Thursday evening. The Hokies' comeback was capped by freshman Riley Karpinski, who scored the game-winning goal from 20 yards out in the 77th minute.
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The first half was competitive, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. Pitt nearly took the lead in the 40th minute, but Virginia Tech's Julianna Trujillo made a remarkable double save to keep the match scoreless.
Pitt broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a breakaway to score after a one-on-one opportunity against Trujillo. However, the Hokies responded quickly, equalizing just two minutes later when Celine Kampmann headed in a corner kick delivered by Bella Ganiere.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 77th minute when Karpinski, after receiving a pass from Anna Weir, cut around her defender and struck the ball into the upper far corner of the net.
Game highlights include:
- Virginia Tech now holds an 8-2-1 all-time record against Pitt and a 7-2-1 record under head coach Chugger Adair.
- The Hokies remain unbeaten on the road with a 3-0-1 record.
- This match marked the fourth time this season that Tech recorded 10 or more corner kicks.
- Karpinski's goal was her third this season and her first career game-winner.
- Kampmann scored her first collegiate goal, while Ganiere’s assist was her first as a Hokie.
- Trujillo recorded a season-high six saves during the match.
Virginia Tech will next face Syracuse (3-4-2) on Sunday, September 20, at noon. The game will be broadcast on ACCNX.