NEW HAVEN, Conn. – It was a strong start to the season for the Yale women's soccer team. The Bulldogs had the better of the play for long stretches before suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss at St. John's last Friday and followed that up with a dominant 5-1 victory over Fairfield in the home opener on Sunday. Yale is back on the road this weekend, traveling to Loyola, Md., on Friday night at 7 p.m. before an early Sunday date with No. 23 Virginia Tech at noon
 
The Bulldogs have been strong at both ends of the field. They limited St. John's to 10 shots and then held Fairfield to just six shots, only two of which were on goal. Yale has also been creating good scoring opportunities. In two games, the Bulldogs have earned 18 corner kicks, while yielding just three.
 
First year Ellery Winkler has made an immediate impact. She was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after scoring once against St. John's and adding two goals and an assist in the win over Fairfield. Noelle Higginson, Aerial Chavarin and Reina Bonta also have goals.
 
HISTORY LESSON
 
Yale is playing Loyola for only the second time. The Greyhounds edged the Bulldogs 2-1 in 1997 in Baltimore.
 
Virginia Tech is a first-time opponent for the Bulldogs. The Hokies will be playing an Ivy League school for the first time in their history.
 
SCOUTING LOYOLA, MD
 
The Greyhounds (1-2) have played three games, a 2-1 victory over Seton Hall and losses to VCU and Quinnipiac, who are both undefeated on the season. Loyola's opener with St. Francis, Pa., had to be halted with 7:49 left in the first half due to persistent thunderstorms. Sarah Bayer scored the game-winning goal in overtime in the victory over Seton Hall. Hannah Hoefs and Claire Beath also have goals on the young season.
 
SCOUTING VIRGINIA TECH
 
The Hokies, who host Alabama on Thursday night, won their first four games for the first time since 2016. Virginia Tech, though, has been unbeaten after four games in nine straight seasons. The Hokies are ranked No. 23 in the nation and have outscored their opponents 10-1. Mikayla Mance leads the team with three goals. Seven other Hokies have one goal. Virginia Tech advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago before falling to North Carolina.
 
Yale at Loyola, Md.
Friday, Sept. 6 – 7 p.m.
Baltimore, Md.
Live Stats | Video
 
Yale at Virginia Tech
Sunday, Sept. 8 – Noon
Blacksburg, Va.
Live Stats | Video