Virginia tech looks to rebound against clemson

Patrick Campbell

March 13, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech will look to rebound at home against No. 1 Clemson this Saturday at 5 p.m. The Tigers ended the Hokies’ fall season with a 4-1 victory in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

Tech is coming off its first loss of the season after falling 4-2 to Duke at home. The Blue Devils jumped on the Hokies early scoring the first two goals of the game. Forward Jacob Labovitz gave the Hokies a spark with an ‘Sportscenter Top-10’ play, scoring on a bicycle kick off a throw in by midfielder Kyle McDowell. Duke responded with two more goals to seal the deal.

Virginia Tech was thoroughly dominated in its last matchup with Clemson. The Tigers built a 4-0 lead by the 56th minute. Forward Kimarni Smith had already earned himself a hat trick by the 34th minute. Clemson went on to win the ACC Championship beating then No. 1 Pittsburgh 2-1.

Saturday marks the Tigers’ first match of the season after losing 1-0 in an exhibition match against North Carolina.

Virginia Tech (4-3-2, 3-2-2) will look to notch its first ACC win of the spring season.

Tech hasn't been victorious against the Tigers since 2009, with its last home win coming in 2006. The Hokies haven't lost two games in a row since the 2019 season.