virginia tech faces radford, looks to end losing streak

Jack Brizendine

March 23, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech (2-5, 0-3) hosts Radford (0-8, 0-1) on Tuesday night in a New River Valley showdown as the Hokies look to end a five-game losing streak.

Virginia Tech suffered a crushing overtime defeat against then-No. 14 Jacksonville in the team’s last game, 10-9.

The Hokies have fallen off mightily since starting the season with two wins in their first three matchups.

Ironically, Radford also enters this matchup coming off a loss against Jacksonville, 16-5.

Radford has struggled all season, only scoring more than ten goals in three of the team’s eight games. The Highlanders are looking to notch their first win of the season on Tuesday against the Hokies.

Virginia Tech key to the game: Grab an early lead

The Hokies grabbed an early four goal advantage over the Dolphins on Saturday before Jacksonville came roaring back to steal the win.

A team that hasn’t tasted victory all season, Radford might not have the mental toughness to make a large comeback if the Highlanders face a large deficit early in the game.

Jumping out to a lead in the initial stages of the matchup could cement the victory for Virginia Tech before halftime.

Radford key to the game: Score at least 10 goals

In Virginia Tech’s two wins this season, the Hokies held the opposing team to fewer than ten goals in the game. In games where the opponent scored ten or more goals, Virginia Tech is 0-5.

Scoring in the double-digits will be critical for the Highlanders as they try to pull off the victory.

Virginia Tech player to watch: Paige Petty

Petty rifled in four goals for Virginia Tech against Jacksonville, bringing her season total to 16 goals, at least double any other Hokie.

The Hokies’ leading scorer should have a productive day against the Highlanders.

Radford player to watch: Lindsey Carroll

Carroll leads the Highlanders with 12 goals on the season. Carroll made her presence felt against Jacksonville despite only scoring once, dishing out four assists in the game.

Carroll will likely be a big part of Radford’s gameplan to upset Virginia Tech.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 16, Radford 6

Virginia Tech narrowly missed out on an upset victory against Jacksonville on Saturday and that frustration will be aired out against Radford.

Expect the Hokies to make easy work of an overmatched Highlander team.