March 13, 2001

BLACKSBURG, Va. — The Notre Dame women’s lacrosse used three goals each from four different players to beat host Virginia Tech 19-8 on Tuesday and win its BIG EAST opener in the first year of BIG EAST women’s lacrosse. The Irish, who out shot the Hokies 31-19 in the contest, led 6-1 just 15 minutes into the game and held a 12-4 halftime advantage. Senior and preseason all-BIG EAST selection Lael O’Shaughnessy had a goal and five assists for Notre Dame, which improves to 1-1 with the win. Virginia Tech falls to 1-3 on the season, 1-2 in the BIG EAST with the loss.

“We are pleased with the way we played,” said Irish head coach Tracy Coyne. “We want to be competitive in the BIG EAST, and for us to play this well and this well on the road is very encouraging. We still have room for improvement in many aspects of our game but this is a great start to our first BIG EAST season.”

Freshman Kassen Delano, sophomores Ann Riley and Danielle Shearer and junior Alissa Moser all scored three goals for the Irish. O’Shaughnessy’s five assists were one short of the Notre Dame school record of six. After building their 12-4 halftime lead, the Irish lost the opening draw of the second half but recovered to score the first four goals of the second half to pull away 16-4.

“We did a good job in the second half of maintaining our intensity after building a big lead,” said Coyne. “Virginia Tech has a good pressure defense, and we handled it very well. The passing in our transition game was a big key for us today.”

Sophomore goaltender Jen White started in net for the Irish, who continue their spring break trip as they travel to Boston for a pair of games. Notre Dame looks to improve to 2-0 in the BIG EAST in its March 24 game at Boston College. The Irish close out their trip on Sunday at Harvard.