November 20, 2011

The Virginia women’s soccer team reached the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time since 2005 with a 4-0 victory over rival Virginia Tech on Sunday.

“We have a lot of respect for Virginia Tech and they had some great results down the stretch,” said head coach Steve Swanson. “We fully expected a tough game and it shows how well our team played that we scored four goals on them. We have been in their position the last few years, losing in this round, and it’s a tough way to end the season. I am just so pleased for our team that we are moving on to next weekend.”

The Cavaliers took control of the game in the first half with three goals in a span of three-and-a-half minutes. Virginia opened the scoring in the 28th minute as Lauren Alwine notched her fourth goal of the season after Morgan Brian found her open in front of goal following a Erica Hollenberg cross. Two minutes later Julia Roberts took the 25-yard free kick and it deflected off the top of the wall for the goal. The Cavaliers added another goal in the 31st minute as Brian scored off a cross from Molly Menchel.

In the second half, Virginia scored one more in the 72nd minute. Alwine’s cross went to Hollenberg, who tapped it to Brian, who sent it home.

“We started off a little bit slow, but we started to get some momentum as the first half went on,” said Swanson. “We had some chances right before that span of goals, so I felt confident we were going to get one. The goals we have been scoring recently are a result of how well, and how smart, we have been playing. I feel like we are playing our best soccer of the season right now.”

The Cavaliers (17-4-2) will visit Florida State in the quarterfinals next weekend (date and time to be announced).