James Madison of the CAA already staked its claim as the best women’s team in Virginia after it defeated the No. 17 Cavaliers 15-10 on Wednesday.
Which team in the state is the next best?
In the ACC, fans have Virginia and Virginia Tech, which are just about a two-hour drive from each other.
NO. 17 VIRGINIA AT NO. 13 VIRGINIA TECH
WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 1 p.m.
WATCH: ACC Network Extra
The No. 13 Hokies (11-5) rank higher with significant wins over Duke, Notre Dame and Syracuse, while coming off a hard-fought 9-7 loss to undefeated Boston College, nearly knocking off the No. 2 squad one week ago.
The Cavaliers currently have a 9-7 record, but are 4-2 in conference play, just like Virginia Tech. The highlights of their season are wins over Duke, Notre Dame, Princeton and Syracuse, but have gone 1-5 in their last six games.
Saturday’s matchup is both teams’ last game of the regular season before the ACC Tournament, which starts April 26. Boston College sits first in the league, followed by North Carolina, Virginia Tech and then Virginia.
Whichever team wins Saturday bumps itself ahead of the other. A win for the Hokies would secure their winningest season in program history and the No. 3 seed in the ACC tournament.
The Cavaliers are led by Kasey Behr (55 draw controls, 47 points, 28 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers), Maggie Jackson (86 draw controls, 50 points, 47 ground balls, 18 caused turnovers), Sammy Mueller (65 draw controls, 59 points, 26 ground balls) and Avery Shoemaker (53 points).
The Hokies’ lead talent is also spread across the board – Mary Claire Byrne (43 ground balls, 30 caused turnovers, 21 points), Kelly Glatthorn (40 draw controls, 32 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers), Tristan McGinley (75 draw controls, 42 points) and Paige Petty (50 draw controls, 48 points, 22 ground balls).
Let the battle begin.