D2 Hokies Avenges Last Year’s Playoff Loss with Divisional Win Over App State
The Virginia Tech Hokies' Division II men's lacrosse team achieved a significant milestone by defeating Appalachian State, effectively avenging their previous season's quarterfinal loss in the Atlantic Lacrosse Conference (ALC) tournament.
In the 2024 ALC quarterfinals, the Hokies suffered a 10-4 defeat to Appalachian State, ending their postseason aspirations. This year's victory not only serves as redemption but also strengthens Virginia Tech's position within the ALC standings.
Head Coach Joel Smith expressed his pride in the team's resilience, stating, "Overcoming last year's setback against Appalachian State was a focal point for us this season. The dedication and hard work our players have exhibited made this victory particularly rewarding."
Team captain Justin Cole added, "This win was about more than just advancing; it was about demonstrating our growth and commitment since last season. We're excited to build on this momentum as we continue our journey in the ALC."
The Hokies aim to capitalize on this victory as they prepare for a trip to California to face USD and UCSD.