#1 Virginia / #4 Penn State Region 2nd and 3rd Round Game Breakdowns
#1 Virginia vs. Georgetown
This is a matchup between two sides that have spent the majority of the season in the top ten. However, thanks to the NCAA and their quest to minimize flight travel, Virginia and Georgetown are set to meet in the second round. Virginia returned to their offensive ways in a 5-0 rout over St. Francis. Makenzy Doniak’s scored her first career hat trick and the team generated 37 shots and put together a complete 90 minutes. The Hoyas took care of LaSalle 2-0 in the first round with a steady flow offensively and lockdown defense in the midfield. The key for Georgetown will be to possess the ball and generate quality scoring chances against the Virginia backline. Daphne Corboz leads a very balanced offensive attack for the Hoyas with seven goals and 13 assists. The key for the Cavaliers will be to wear down the Hoyas with their relentless possession game and ride the deep attack of Doniak, Morgan Brian, and Brittany Ratcliffe and make the Hoyas chase by getting an early lead and pulling away in the second half.
#4 Penn State vs. Wake Forest
The Nittany Lions recovered nicely in the first round with a solid all-around 3-0 victory over a pesky Monmouth side. Tani Costa and Whitney Church paced the attack which generated plenty of pressure for the Nittany Lions as they placed 12 of 25 shots on frame. Wake Forest took advantage of their layoff from not making the ACC tournament and came out strong against Morehead State in a 2-0 victory. The Demon Deacons got two goals 34 seconds apart by Courtney Owen and Riley Ridgik, who has really come on strong since being moved to forward. These two teams last met in the NCAA tournament in 2011 and Wake Forest won 4-2. This matchup has the feel of another potential shoot-out as the Penn State defense at times has struggled to stop teams. In the end, the ability to execute in the final third attacking wise for both sides, along with set pieces, will swing this matchup.
Overall, Virginia should, in a very tough match, advance past Georgetown with a deeper overall attack and higher proficiency finishing scoring chances. The Penn State-Wake Forest match is a true toss-up as I can see this match being won by either side. The Nittany Lions, when they are on, are very dangerous offensively and can run away with a match. Now, on the flip side, they can be beaten easily defensively if you are patient and finish scoring chances. That is where Wake Forest can slide in and beat Penn State and get a shot in the Sweet 16 against Virginia.
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