virginia tech looks to snap skid against no. 4 boston college

Jack Brizendine

April 10, 2021

Paige Petty (26) shoots a shot on goal in Virginia Tech's loss to No. 18 Louisville on April 3. Petty scored career goal No. 187 on April 3, making her Virginia Tech's all-time leading scorer. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After narrowly falling to No. 18 Louisville, Virginia Tech (3-7, 0-5 ACC) will have a shot at redemption when the team hosts No. 4 Boston College (8-1, 7-0 ACC) at noon on Saturday.


The Hokies come into Saturday’s matchup looking to snap a two-game losing skid, while the Eagles enter riding a five-game winning streak.


A win on Saturday would mark Virginia Tech’s first victory against a ranked team in over two years and the first win over a top ten team since February of 2018.


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


In last Saturday’s loss to Louisville, Virginia Tech fell behind by three goals in the first six minutes of the game. The Hokies were never able to overcome that early deficit, leading to the loss.


It will be imperative for Virginia Tech to score early and often in order to pull off the upset.


Boston College Key to the Game: Limit Virginia Tech’s scoring runs


The Hokies have scored in bunches in almost every game this season. Against Louisville, Virginia Tech only had one goal that didn’t preclude or follow another VT score.


Stopping Tech’s scoring runs will help Boston College leave Blacksburg with a win on Saturday.


Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Paige Petty


Midfielder Paige Petty scored her 187th goal last week to pass Dawn Will for the most goals in the history of the program. In addition to being Virginia Tech’s all-time leading goal scorer, Petty leads the Hokies with 25 goals on the year.


Expect a strong performance from Petty on Saturday as the Hokies look to upset Boston College.


Boston College Player to Watch: Charlotte North


North had an explosive performance against Duke last week, finding the back of the net six times in the Eagles’ victory. North leads Boston College with 42 points this season, 37 of them from goals.


North will have to be on her A-game to preserve the Eagles’ winning streak.


Prediction: Boston College 17, Virginia Tech 8


With the more talented roster and momentum from its current winning streak boosting the team, Boston College will win with ease on Saturday.


Expect the Hokies to keep it competitive in the first half, but the Eagles’ will eventually prove why they are ranked so highly, winning 17-8.