Ducks Handle Hokies on Senior Day, 15-10

Saturday, April 11

Eugene, Ore.

1:00 PM

University of Oregon

Virginia Tech

Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

04/11/09 | Women's Lacrosse

By: GoDucks.com

EUGENE, Ore. -- Alex Breiner had one of three University of Oregon hat tricks and Anna Poponyak made a school-record 18 saves to lead the Ducks over Virginia Tech, 15-10, in a non-conference game at Pape' Field.

Breiner, a sophomore, led all players with six points, including three second-half assists, as Oregon (10-3) fought back from an early 4-1 deficit to close out its 2009 home schedule.

"This was a great way to finish the season," said Jen Larsen, UO's fifth-year head coach. "It's a good day to be a Duck."

Poponyak, one of six seniors honored prior to their final home contest, faced 34 shots and allowed just three goals off Virginia Tech's 13 free position attempts. Among her 18 stops was the 500th of her UO career.

"This was?a great way to send the seniors out, and it showed what we have for the future as well," Larsen said. "They have been a phenomenal senior class all four years. Having them was invaluable. They taught us what leadership looks and feels like."

The Hokies (7-8) received three-goals apiece from Rachel Culp and Jessica Nonn, and goalkeeper Kari Morrison played much stronger than the final score indicated, making 14 saves while facing 38 shots.

Oregon's rookie duo of Jana Drummond and Jess Drummond had three goals each with Jana picking up the eventual game-winner. The sisters combined to score five or UO's eight goals after halftime.

Trailing 5-3 with under eight minutes to play in the first half, the Ducks closed out the period on a 4-0 run for a 7-5 lead.

Virginia Tech pulled within a goal 47 seconds into the second half as Culp connected, but Jess Drummond answered for the Ducks less than two minutes later.

The two sides continued to trade goals for most of the final frame and Oregon's lead was 11-10 with 4:33 to play after another Culp strike. But just like the end of the first half, the Ducks ran off four in a row down the stretch.

QUACK TRACKS: SR Ilsa van den Berg scored two goals and tied Jen May's school mark for career points at 185 ... The Ducks ended up with a 6-1 home record on the season, winning their final six after a season-opening loss to Stanford on Feb. 7 ... Oregon improved to 2-0 all-time against Virginia Tech.