Blackwood's Brace Lifts Pack Past Panthers

Sunday, October 8

Pittsburgh, Pa.

12 PM

NC State

9-4-1, 2-3-1ACC

Pittsburgh

3-8-3, 0-5-1ACC

NC State

Pittsburgh

10/8/2017 3:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The NC State women's soccer team picked up its second conference win of the season on Sunday afternoon when it defeated Pittsburgh 3-2 at Ambrose Urbanic Field, as junior Maxine Blackwood was responsible for two of her squad's goals. The Wolfpack improves to 9-4-1 (2-3-1 ACC) on the season while the Panthers fall to 3-8-3 (0-5-1 ACC).

COACH SANTORO'S TAKE
On getting back into the win column
"It feels good. We found a way on the road to get a win, but we're ready to get home. It's been a long three weeks on the road."

On Maxine Blackwood's five points in the match
"She was one of the few bright spots today. With Kia having limited playing time we needed another player to step up, and she's really done well the past couple of games."

On returning home after four-match road swing
"It's always nice to get home and play some conference matches. We have some really tough matches that we'll have to be ready to fight for, but we're looking forward to getting back to Raleigh."

??? Check out today's 3? goals from our win at Pittsburgh thanks to @MaxineBlackwood and @TPorter204 pic.twitter.com/qBp0OACtav
— PackWSoccer?? (@PackWSoccer) October 8, 2017

HOW IT HAPPENED
Blackwood put the Pack on the board in the 11th minute, as Tziarra King's saved shot by Pitt's defense was deflected off of her and found the back of the net.

The Panthers tied it up in the 42nd minute. Christiana Davey made a long attempt that was saved by goalkeeper Sydney Wootten, but Taylor Pryce managed to get past her on the rebound.

Taylor Porter gave the Pack a 2-1 advantage in the 57th minute as she knocked in a shot from 12 yards, while King and Blackwood were credited with a double assist. It marked her first goal of the season. Three minutes later Blackwood scored her second goal of the game and third of the season on Hannah Keogh's pass to the top of the six-yard box for a 3-1 lead.

The Panthers cut its deficit to one in the 66th minute, as Ashley Moreira's shot from 10 yards out hit the crossbar and bounced in. Pitt looked to score the equalizer with shots in the 68th and 73rd minutes, and in the final five minutes of the contest the Pack tallied a combined three shots from inside 20 yards but was unable to get past the Panthers' defense.

NC State had a combined 13 shots as King led the way with three, while seven of them were on goal. Wootten played all 90 minutes in goal and was forced to make two saves.

UP NEXT
NC State returns to action Oct. 14 when it welcomes Syracuse to Dail Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on the ACC Network Extra.