virginia tech takes on virginia in commonwealth clash

Topher Wagner

April 24, 2021

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Despite its frustrating season, Virginia Tech looks to play spoiler and upset its archrival, No. 8 Virginia, heading into the regular season finale.

After a year that started with such high expectations, there hasn’t been much to be optimistic about in Blacksburg for the Hokies as of late.

Tech lost to Notre Dame on Wednesday to drop its record to 4-10 on the year while also keeping it winless in a loaded ACC.

However, even in defeat the Hokies showed promise, rallying in the second half to lose by just five goals after going down by 12-3 at one point. They’ll have to keep that tenacity up in a rematch against the Cavaliers.

Virginia on the other hand, has maintained its top ten ranking for much of the year, driven by a strong offensive attack. But even with its spot amongst the conference’s best solidified going into the ACC tournament, UVA is ice cold going into this rivalry matchup as they have lost four straight contests.

The last two defeats came against No. 1 North Carolina, but the Cavaliers will have to be able to shake off the rust to take out their commonwealth foes.

This will be the 27^th all-time matchup between the two schools, with Virginia Tech winning just two of those games. However earlier this season, the Hokies fought hard as a second half rally fell just short, losing 12-10. If Tech can keep it close like it did last time, it will be in a fantastic position to upset the Wahoos.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Start fast

In their last several losses, the Hokies have started out slow coming out of the gates, going down early and having to play comeback in the second half. This was particularly true against Notre Dame as Tech fell behind by nine goals, which proved to be too great a margin to overcome.

Against Virginia, look for Tech to come out strong as it will be playing determined to upset its bitter rivals.

Virginia Key to the Game: Convert offensive opportunities

After having their dominant offensive attack propelling the Cavaliers to victory earlier this year, their firepower has been extinguished during their losing skid. In its loss to UNC last Sunday, Virginia hit rock bottom. UVA put up just four goals, by far its lowest output of the season as the Tar Heels controlled on defense all game long.

Facing a Hokies’ squad that can put up a large number of goals on their own, Virginia will have to get out of its funk to end the regular season on a high note.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Paige Petty

There’s a reason that the senior star will go down as one of the best to ever do it at Virginia Tech and this season has proven just why. All year long no matter the obstacles that the Hokies have faced, Petty has always been there to rally her team.

The all-time VT points leader has had a phenomenal season, scoring a whopping 35 goals while continuing to rewrite the Virginia Tech record books. Most recently in the loss to Notre Dame, Petty did all she could, scoring four times including three in a row at one point. For Tech to pull off the upset, she’ll need to show her magic in her last ever regular season game.

Virginia Player to Watch: Ashlyn McGovern

Similar to Petty, McGovern has had a great year for the Cavaliers behind her team leading 27 goals. The star has proven to be one of the best scorers in the ACC as she stuffs the stat sheet on a seemingly regular basis.

In the first game against the Hokies, McGovern was outstanding, putting up a hat-trick and five shots to beat VT. She’ll have to continue her great campaign to shake off Virginia’s losing streak.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 13, Virginia 11

The last several weeks, the Hokies have gone through the ringer of ranked opponents, knocking off just one in Elon. But despite the losses, Tech has continued to show improvements on both sides of the pitch behind a consistent double digit scoring effort and tough defensive presence from goalie Morgan Berman.

For Virginia, they are in free fall right now after an 8-2 start to the year. Its offense has cooled off dramatically the last few games while its defense has allowed double digit goals in seven consecutive games. In what should be a very tight game throughout, everything finally comes together for the Hokies as Tech wins, 13-11.