virginia tech aims to bust three-game losing streak against elon

Jack Brizendine

April 15, 2021

Following a disappointing 21-11 loss to No. 4 Boston College last Saturday, Virginia Tech (3-8, 0-6) looks to snap a three-game losing streak against No. 19 Elon (8-0, 2-0) on the road on Wednesday night.

The Hokies have only collected one victory since the end of February, while the Phoenix is undefeated, 8-0.

Despite sporting an underachieving 3-8 record, Virginia Tech has played highly ranked team’s hard, with a 10-9 overtime loss to No. 14 Jacksonville and a 12-10 defeat to No. 12 Virginia.

The skill gap between the two programs may be large, but expect a competitive match.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Get off to a hot start

The Hokies were able to fire in two of the game’s first three goals last weekend against Boston College, but couldn’t maintain that momentum. The Eagles scored five of the next six goals to grab a lead that they never relinquished.

Building and working off of an early lead will be critical for Virginia Tech as the team looks to pull off the upset.

Elon Key to the Game: Score in Bunches

One of the Hokies’ biggest challenges this year has been limiting their opponents’ scoring runs. Only two of Boston College’s twenty-one goals were scored without another Eagle score preceding or following it.

Long scoring runs will be Elon’s ticket to taking down Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Sarah Lubnow

Lubnow found the back of the net four times in the loss to Boston College. In addition to being a scoring threat, Lubnow is also known for her ability to dish out assists, leading the Hokies with 18 on the season.

Efficient play from Lubnow will be imperative for the Hokies as they try to put down Elon.

Elon Player to Watch: Mae McGlynn

McGlynn is undoubtedly the Phoenix most lethal weapon. In Elon’s lasting outing against VCU, she scored five times and had an assist. McGlynn leads the Phoenix in goals and assists with 22 scores and 18 helpers on the year.

McGlynn will be a key player for Elon against Virginia Tech.

Prediction: Elon 14, Virginia Tech 8

The Hokies have had a tendency this season to keep games competitive early on and then crumble after a big run from their opponent. It’s reasonable to expect that this will be the case against the Phoenix talented team.

Despite a hard fought effort, Virginia Tech will fall to No. 19 Elon, 14-8.