SPORTS
Lacrosse Returns Home to Face No. 16 Hokies
Davidson’s Gianna New maneuvers to get a shot on goal – a photo from last season.
DAVIDSON, N.C. — The Davidson Wildcats will host No. 16 Virginia Tech on Wednesday night, as the Hokies will serve as the team’s final non-conference tuneup before entering Atlantic 10 play next week.
Virginia Tech will be the Wildcats’ second nationally ranked opponent this season, and complete coverage for the match up can be found at davidsonwildcats.com/coverage.
LAST TIME OUT… The ‘Cats picked up one win and one loss in their most recent week of action, as Davidson has had a 10-day hiatus since its last contest. Back during the week of March 1, Davidson defeated High Point University for just the third time since 2011, with senior Sam Rippley knotting the overtime game-winning goal to defeat the Panthers 15-14. After that, the ‘Cats went to Coastal Carolina and fell 12-7 after a slow start to the first half. Davidson outscored the Chanticleers 4-3 in the second half, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome in the end.
RACKING UP… Davidson’s lineup has impressed the Atlantic 10 Conference so far this year, as the ‘Cats have earned seven A-10 weekly honors this season. With four different Wildcats receiving recognition, freshman Julianne Carey has carried the load earning four Rookie of the Week titles. Sam Rippley, Gianna New and Amanda Monahan have all been named the conference’s Player of the Week as well, while the Wildcats enter league play currently in third place among the South Division.
THE HOKIES… The Wildcats are 4-16 all-time against Virginia Tech and last defeated the Hokies in 2003 during a 10-7 victory at Davidson College. The Hokies are currently ranked 16th in the IWLCA’s latest poll, as the team averages 10 goals per game and is 2-3 on the year. Despite its record, Virginia Tech has played four top-10 teams, including No. 1 North Carolina, Virginia and Duke.
PROTECT THIS HOUSE… Sophomore netminder Amanda Monahan has had a stellar start to the early season, earning her first career start on opening day against then No. 15 Duke. Since then, Monahan has picked up four wins, earned one Defensive Player of the Week award from the A-10 and made 49 saves.
WAYNE’S WORLD… Head Coach Kim Wayne is on the cusp of earning her 100th victory at the helm of the Wildcats. In her time at Davidson, she has 99 career wins to date and is 99-107 in 13 seasons.