Hokies Look to Bounce Back in Showdown with Longwood

Topher Wagner

February 24, 2021

BLACKSBURG, VA. — Coming off a tight loss against No. 12 Duke, No. 17 Virginia Tech returns to Blacksburg for its first home game of the year versus Longwood.

Virginia Tech’s first ACC game of the season was a bit of a letdown this past Sunday as the Hokies fell 12-8 in their second contest this year.

Last season, Tech started hot at 7-3 and was ranked No. 24 in the nation before the season was abruptly cancelled due to COVID-19. Now, Virginia Tech returns nearly all of its starters from last year’s team, including team captain Kendall Welch after the NCAA granted seniors an extra year of eligibility.

Ranked No. 16 by Inside Lacrosse Poll during the preseason, expectations are high for head coach John Sung’s squad this year. After losing their first ACC game of the season, the Hokies will try to rebound against a lackluster Longwood team.

Following a disappointing 3-5 start last year, Longwood hoped to start 2021 on the right foot in its season opener. Unfortunately for the Lancers, they were outscored by seven goals in the first half of what was a 20-8 blowout loss to VCU.

It wasn’t all bad as Longwood’s offense showed some resiliency in the second half, but in order to beat the ranked Hokies on the road, its defense will have to tighten up down the stretch.

This is a building and development season for Longwood as it has seven new faces, including five freshman rounding out its youthful roster. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is looking to prove that last season’s strong start was no fluke as it eyes an ACC title behind an experienced group of seniors.

The matchup is the 11th all-time meeting between the teams, with Virginia Tech taking the last eight after dropping the first two games of the series nearly 20 years ago. The Hokies have never lost at home against Longwood and average 15 goals per game, while the Lancers have not cracked double-digit goals versus their intrastate opponent since 2010.

Virginia Tech Keys to the Game: Convert its scoring chances

The Hokies played Duke close in their first loss of the season. The big difference was Duke converting on 46% of its shot opportunities with Tech only making 32%.

After scoring five goals to start the first half, Virginia Tech was unable to get its offense going after Duke changed goalies midway through the game, scoring just three times the rest of the way. The Hokies must be more consistent throughout the game and take advantage of soft spots in the crease in order to bounce back against Longwood.

Longwood Keys to Game: Start the first half quicker

After starting the game against VCU tied at one, Longwood quickly imploded as it was outscored seven to one to end the frame.

The Lancers only won two draw controls in the first half as an inability to maintain possession prevented them from getting anything going on offense. Early mistakes and the colossal deficit doomed Longwood as it never challenged again.

In order to have a chance against a Virginia Tech offense that has a propensity to find the back of the net often, the Lancers can’t afford to fall behind again early.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Sarah Lubnow

In their loss to Duke, one player that shined for the Hokies was Sarah Lubnow. After an impressive breakout season where she set career highs in goals, points and ground balls, Lubnow followed up the shortened 2020 season with an impressive debut.

Despite Virginia Tech’s deficit for much of the second half, the senior attacker kept the Hokies in the game with two goals and an assist in the loss. For Tech to bounce back, it’ll need Lubnow’s strong play to continue.

Longwood player to watch: Emma Johnson

On a team full of young players, Johnson was the senior veteran who was one of the only bright spots in Longwood’s opening loss. Johnson tallied four goals for the Lancers against VCU and was the only offensive spark they had in the blowout.

Over the years, the star has shown a tendency to score at a high volume, demonstrated by her five games with four goals last year. For Longwood to pull off the upset, she’ll need a similar performance in Blacksburg.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 16, Longwood 5

While this looks to be a development year for a young Longwood squad, Virginia Tech enters the season with legitimate ACC title aspirations. After a close loss to Duke on Sunday and returning to Blacksburg for its first home game of the season, the Hokies will take advantage of a porous Longwood defense that just surrendered 20 goals in its opener.

A combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess in forcing turnovers, Virginia Tech should dominate this one from start to finish and win handily, 16-5.