Tech Sweeps Trip to Alabama

Blacksburg, VA - The Hokies, ranked #4 in the preseason, opened their season with games against University of Alabama and Auburn University.  The Hokies emerged on Sunday 2-0 with convincing wins over Bama (20-3) and Auburn (17-2).

In their season opener the Hokies wasted little time finding the back of the net as Daniel Gaffney ('23) led the break to see fellow senior captain Grayson Barker ('23) score his first goal of the season. The next few minutes featured more offense but some excellent saves by the Crimson Tide net minder kept the score at 1-0.  Around the 10 minute mark the floodgates opened as we saw the lead move from 1-0 to 10-0 by the end of the first quarter.  Timely shooting, faceoffs, and groundball play were keys to triggering that run.  The Hokies were able to maintain their focus on the defensive end pitching a shut-out until the 3rd quarter.  The team would wrap the game with a 20-3 victory featuring 16 different players getting into the points column.

On Sunday the Hokies faced the Auburn Tigers fresh off a 13-10 loss to #2 Georgia Tech. The Hokies took notice and came out on a mission racing out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.  In the second, the Hokies locked down the defensive end lead by Walker Everhart ('23) and goalie Will Eckert ('23) to go into the half leading 8-1.  More defensive stalwart play in the third allowed the lead to extend and going into the fourth quarter the Hokies lead 12-1.  Auburn was able to nab one more but the game finished 17-2 with a Hokie dub.

"This was a long road trip and I was impressed with how hard we came out in each of these games." stated Head Coach Panchito Ojeda.  "As early season games we have been able to identify many things to work on, but we are excited to be able to head into conference play 2-0."

The Hokies are back in action this weekend hosting East Carolina @ 7pm on Friday 2/10 and Miami (OH) on Sunday 2/12 @ 1pm.  After the game on Sunday there will be a 1 hour clinic to benefit the New River Lacrosse Club.  It is free and players who are interested in playing spring lacrosse are welcome to attend.