Virginia Tech was celebrating before the ball crossed the line. Victoria Powell had just seized onto a lofted pass, running between two UNC defenders before meeting the ball in stride. The finish was made to look easy, a gentle dink over a sprawling goalkeeper. And Powell was careening off in celebration before it hit the back of the net. Her goal lifted Virginia tech over UNC, handing the Tar Heels their third loss of the season — while boosting the Hokies’ tournament credentials.

It was the standout moment of a raucous week. One in which national title contenders lost, tournament hopefuls won and smaller programs started to believe. Here are three takeaways from an engrossing period.