![“[That whole class] is everything they have been hyped up to be,” DeSorbo said. “Heilman and Williamson in particular are the real deal and other guys are elevating because of them.](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cav/4f32b0b3-555e-43cd-9d36-27de7adbaef0.sized-1000x1000.png?w=1000&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
Virginia now heads into a break from collegiate competition until the new year.
“It's one of those things about our sport you really love, and it's hard to accept at times,” Swanson said.
“We kind of dug ourselves a hole, and we had to fight back," Thomas said.
“The women did a good job and set the stage for a big finish next year as all seven runners return in 2026,” Coach Vin Lananna said.
The match kicked off Virginia’s “Senior Weekend” with an energetic, tight-scoring game, with a crowd of almost 1,500 behind Virginia.
“I think it was just a great college basketball game all around," Odom said. "Had a lot of drama, players making big-time plays throughout. It was a really physical game.”
Virginia has beaten Virginia Tech in football just twice this century. That will change this year.
The Cavaliers’ full-court pressure should be tested this weekend against two disciplined offenses with top-tier athleticism.
An entire campaign comes down to the postseason, where the lights are brightest and frigid temperatures blanket Klöckner Stadium.
“He knew exactly what I needed,” Vicente said.
"I'm a fan of young men receiving some compensation. But I think it's so unmonitored and not regulated. And I think until it becomes more regulated, a level playing field, and there's more control, [there will be issues]."
“I think that the more energy we can bring and the more that we can celebrate one another,” Ryan said, “it'll be the difference between winning and losing games in the postseason.”
Events like the Power 4 Challenge are a deliberate bet that clearer competition, simple scoring and a strong multi-media presence can draw new eyes to a sport that already produces a large share of Olympic talent.
Three beat writers analyze what Virginia needs to fix, and how this super talented squad can return to the College Cup for the first time since 2021.
With an Oct. 30 win against Boston College, Swanson reached 500 wins.
This year, Virginia will send four competitors to Orlando — two of its top singles players and both of its leading doubles pairings.
Three singles players and a doubles pairing will travel to Orlando, Fla., for the tournament, held Nov. 18-23.
“Our guys showed up today and got the job done,” Garland said.
Less than 24 hours after Coach Tony Elliott’s football team beat Duke, Virginia volleyball headed down in the hopes of doing the same.
This week, the Cavaliers’ ACC title hopes are alive and well.
