A tough matchup with a ranked opponent awaits the Cavaliers as they travel to the Lone State.
One goal from first year forward Caitlin Connell would tip the scales less than five minutes into overtime to decide the 1-0 score. A ball from the endline lifted into the far post net and just past sophomore keeper Ruby Butterfield would be the first overtime goal scored by a first year in eight years.
With one more exhibition remaining at Villanova Thursday, here are five takeaways from Virginia’s first two preseason tests.
While both teams have struggled recently, Wednesday’s result further strengthened the Cavaliers' advantage in the rivalry — which remains one-sided.
The Cavaliers defeated the Hokies in four sets Wednesday night at Memorial Gymnasium with scores of 25-19, 25-19, 22-25 and 25-23. This was the Cavaliers’ first win since Sept. 25, extending a five-year winning streak against the Hokies since 2022.
“Ultimately we haven't won this thing here, so that kind of is a big attraction for me in terms of let's do something for the first time,” Creed said. “There's something to chase, which I think is also really exciting.”
Whether it be in Virginia or across state lines, incoming first-years or experienced veterans, Coach Chris Pollard has found a way to recruit talent for the 2027 season and beyond.
“I thought I was going to be scoring goals from the minute I got here,” Sloan said.
After Wednesday's vote by the NCAA Division I Cabinet, men's college soccer is moving in a direction similar to that of the MLS and many other professional soccer leagues across the globe, leaving many coaches happy.
A win is a win. However, a comeback, one-score win over a team starting their backup quarterback is certainly not as indicative of success as every other win.
After dominating a field full of local teams, the Cavaliers will have even more chances at the NCAA Individual Championships in both singles and doubles.
Facing the likes of West Virginia, James Madison and Marshall, the Cavaliers handled business.
Virginia (7-3-2, 3-3-0 ACC) saw three strikes hit the back of the net as the clock ticked down late in the second half to break open a game that SMU (5-5-4, 0-4-2 ACC) fought the entire second period to equalize.
Instead of securing two wins during the gym’s opening weekend, they suffered two losses, extending their losing streak to five.
The communications intern thought his football fantasy had ended years ago, but made the most of his opportunity once he was called upon his fourth year.
Down big early on, the Cavaliers were never daunted. The Virginia offense battled back throughout the second half, while the defense held on just enough to secure a victory over the visiting Orange.
The Cavaliers became the first to clinch one of four spots in the championship meet Nov. 6. On top of Williamson and Curzan’s outstanding performances, Virginia combined to win 13 individual races in addition to a relay, Skins event and Super Skins relay.
The No. 15 Cavaliers (6-5, 2-4 ACC) were back on the road facing Boston College after a win and loss against Stanford and Cal at home, and odds of victory seemed promising against a team who had yet to win a single conference match. But Virginia would leave the field Friday night suffering another upset, this time 4-1, with failures to capitalize on scoring opportunities, struggles to connect to the circle and a flurry of cards responsible.
“We know we can beat any team on any given night,” Dos Santos said.
“I think about it actually a lot,” Gelnovatch said,
