At the start of our term as the new sports editors, it seems only fitting to share which games we'll be looking forward to the most.
Men's Tennis vs. Baylor -- Feb. 4
Going to a men's tennis event is doubly worthwhile, because you get to see the number-one team in the nation while spending time in the incredible Boars Head Sports Club. Baylor is No. 7 in the country in the preseason rankings, and the Bears are the defending national champs. After falling to top-10 teams Pepperdine and Illinois early this season, the Cavaliers need this bounce-back win.
Baseball vs. Clemson -- March 17, 18, 19
For the last two years, Virginia has had a habit of salvaging their season by not only defeating but sweeping the first-ranked team in the ACC. This year that's Clemson. This year there's also a good deal of animosity between the two teams -- Virginia defeated Clemson twice last year en route to the ACC championship game.
Men's Lacrosse vs. Top 10
If you want to see the top lacrosse teams in the country, your best bet may be just to pitch a tent outside Klöckner Stadium for the spring semester. Virginia is ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls. The Cavaliers scrimmage No. 7 Navy this Saturday and No. 6 Georgetown Feb. 11. In the regular season, Virginia hosts No. 5 Syracuse March 4, No. 1 Johns Hopkins March 25, and No. 2 Duke April 15. That's a whopping five of the preseason top-10 teams coming to Charlottesville.
Women's Lacrosse vs. UNC -- March 18
They may be preseason No. 4, but the women's lacrosse team is looking to finish the season No. 1. No team would like to derail the Cavaliers' plans more than North Carolina. The preseason No. 7 Tar Heels fell at home to Virginia last year and will come North looking for payback. Virginia will do its most important work in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, but look for both teams to rise to the occasion in the mid-season match.
Women's Basketball vs. UNC -- Feb. 12
The magnitude of this game will be evident when fans in attendance notice the "ESPN2" banners all over U-Hall. After downing then-No. 1 Duke earlier this week, the newly No. 1 Tar Heels will most likely come to Virginia with an unblemished record. You won't see a better matchup in the point guard slot than Virginia's Sharnee Zoll against UNC's Ivory Latta.
Women's Tennis vs. Miami -- April 9
Look for a revitalized women's tennis program as the team spends this year working with an all-new staff -- including coach Mark Gilbeau, the first new coach in 23 years. Gilbeau has implemented a much tougher regimen for the team this year. The changes seem to be having a very positive affect on the team, which is 3-0 so far this season. This turnaround still probably won't be enough to allow Virginia to take a win against No. 10 Miami, but the game will at least be a good indicator as to how far the team has come, with the bonus of some great tennis.
Softball vs. Florida State
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