Beyond Virginia, the meet hosted a bevy of teams, featuring Howard, Johns Hopkins, Norfolk State’s men, North Carolina, Wake Forest’s women and William & Mary. No stranger to Panorama’s charming hills and grassy course, the Cavaliers showed off their preseason preparation with a gritty and vigorous season-opener.
Goalkeeper Elyse Finnelle played a pivotal part in securing the rivalry clash, saving three shot attempts from the Hokies in the concluding two minutes.
“We've got to put four quarters together,” LaMonica said. “I think this was the first time we saw a higher-pressure defense... I think we allowed it to take us out of our abilities a little bit too much."
The men’s and women’s teams took on the ASICS Last Chance Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saucony Battle for Boston in Mass. and the VT Challenge in Blacksburg, where they delivered dominant performances as they look to spike up for the championship season.
Through historic upsets, clinched titles and national headlines, the Cavaliers delivered one of the most thrilling years to be a Virginia fan yet.
“It was almost like a home game. People were constantly yelling ‘Go Hoos’ and chanting while walking down the street and waiting to get into the stadium,” second-year College student Landen Barth said.
Three beat writers from The Cavalier Daily discuss their thoughts at the digital Thanksgiving table.
