September 26, 2023

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VIRGINIA TECH RECEIVES $3.3 MILLION GRANT TO RESEARCH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

JANE PARK | news EDItor

The research focuses on muscle mitochondria as a potential point of treatment.

The National Institutes of Health awarded the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise $3.3 million in grants to research Alzheimer’s disease, according to Virginia Tech News.

According to the article, Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects the brain, leading to lapses in memory and other issues. As of now, research has found that our muscles, particularly the mitochondria, are possibly involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Results have also shown that steady exercise during advancing age can help sustain mitochondrial health, especially the skeletal muscle. However, it is unknown if exercise is also just as beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease.

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The article reported that the research team’s principal investigator is Joshua Drake, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. Drake’s co-investigator is Junco Warren, also an assistant professor in the same department and assistant professor of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. The two seek to understand how muscle mitochondria behave when a person is affected by Alzheimer’s disease. By studying this knowledge gap, Drake and Warren aim to discover more about how Alzheimer’s disease develops and its effect on people.

The results from this research may reveal more on the relationship between skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and the

progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It will also recognize new metabolic pathways involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The research’s findings could be useful in understanding the development of targeted therapies that target early energy dysfunction — a characteristic of

Alzheimer’s disease. This will eventually help the quality of life for those with the disease.

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ANTHONY CUSAT / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Burruss Hall in the spring, April 15, 2022

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS TEAM SERVES AS TECH’S SOLE ADAPTIVE SPORTS TEAM

JANE PARK | news EDItor

The team formed from the men’s varsity tennis team’s wheelchair clinics.

Virginia Tech’s only adaptive athletics team is the wheelchair tennis team, according to Virginia Tech News. Adaptive athletics are recreational or competitive sports for people with disabilities, as defined by Accessibility.com. Because of the lack of adaptive sports on campus, the wheelchair tennis team is looking to create a lasting effect on the university.

The Adaptive Athletics Association hosted the NSW Wheelchair Open from Thursday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 24. There will also be the Canberra Wheelchair Open from Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Thursday, Sept. 28.

The article reported that Virginia Tech Recreational Sports collaborated with the university’s varsity men’s tennis team to form a wheelchair clinic — the first of its kind in the school’s history. The team has then hosted wheelchair tennis clinics every week with athletes volunteering to teach adaptive athletes.

This eventually led to the creation of a club sports team, which practices at the clinics.

Frank Thompson, according to his LinkedIn page, is studying management and analytics and graduating in 2025. He is a member of the men’s

tennis team and initiated the clinics, for which he still volunteers.

“The clinics started as my eighth-grade community service project,” Thompson said to Virginia Tech News. “I started working with a child named Parker when he was around 4, and the clinics just slowly grew from there. Every year, we have added one or two more people, and now we are an actual team of seven people.”

Gaila Fosbinder, a sophomore studying engineering, is a part of the wheelchair tennis team. She started playing the sport standing since she was eight, but her condition — arthrogryposis multiplex congenita — led her to play in a power wheelchair three years ago.

“Like a lot of kids, I wanted to be like my parents,” Fosbinder said. “When I was really young, my mom would make me go to a tennis group she would go to on the weekends. You would go to this local park and play with whoever was there, so I sat around for many hours watching and seeing how much fun everyone was having. That exposure is what made me want to be a part of the sport.”

The article said Fosbinger came to Virginia

Tech after recruitment from Jason Harnett, the United States Tennis Association wheelchair tennis head coach, after the association awarded a grant to the university to expand the program.

“This opportunity we’ve been given isn’t one that has existed for many athletes in the past,” Thompson said. “I have a huge appreciation for the sport I play and the fact that it can be played in a wheelchair as well.”

Thompson told Virginia Tech News that the team highly regards disabled athlete representation. He said physical disabilities don’t discourage the skills that come with playing a sport, which are demonstrated by the wheelchair clinics.

Another impact the clinics have had is their influence on creating an Adaptive Recreation course, an introductory class that aims to educate and recognize opportunities for people with and without disabilities to play and compete in sports.

“Even though it looks different, all the rules are the same except that we get double bounce,” meaning the ball can hit the ground twice during play, Fosbinder said. “Able-bodied people can

easily play with people in chairs, so it’s a great sport to integrate both types of people, and I don’t think it is thought of in that way.”

For Fosbinger, she would like to see more clinics in the future. She said the wheelchair team in Alabama, which has won the championship for six consecutive years, is one of the largest in the U.S.

Fosbinder also told Virginia Tech News of her goal to grow adaptive athletics outside the sport of tennis during her remaining years at the university.

“I hope we can expand to wheelchair basketball or wheelchair track and field because it will draw more diversity into the university,” she said. “Right now, there aren’t many disabled people on campus, and with Virginia Tech’s motto being Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), it would blend really well into having adaptive athletics.”

OPINIONS THE FALL AESTHETIC IS THE BEST AESTHETIC

Catherine Cuneo | opinions columnist

It’s finally that time of year. Summer has begun to fade as the cool autumn wind starts to drift through the air. Pumpkin-flavored drinks reemerge, cozy sweaters are pulled out of storage and piles of leaves cover the ground. People all over social media are posting their favorite fall recipes and raving about all things fall-themed, adding to the anticipation of the new season. According to data collected by the Morning Consult, fall is the most popular season throughout the U.S. This popularity could be explained by all of the warmth that the season brings. With fall comes change, nostalgia and exciting events.

Change is everywhere during the fall months. The leaves turn different shades of orange, the

weather becomes cooler and the schedule of the autumn months becomes more structured with school, sports or other obligations. For many, fall has always represented some kind of change. Whether it’s the start of a new semester or the start of a new job, fall brings an abundance of opportunities. It’s a fresh start and a great time to discover your interests and pursue them.

This time of year is also an excellent time to set new goals and change routines. A change of scenery helps to motivate people to work on their goals and to implement different lifestyle choices. According to Psychology Today, fall is the perfect time of year to make healthier choices in all aspects of life, and it has been shown that these changes are best made when surrounded

by nature. The fall weather is ideal for any outdoor occasion and is a perfect excuse to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Taking time to be outside everyday is a surefire way to ease stress and to motivate change.

There are obvious reasons to enjoy fall, but there are also subconscious feelings that make the season so enjoyable. One of the more prominent is nostalgia or the feeling of longing for a past time. Nostalgia is often prompted by one or more of the five senses. The brain associates different sights, sounds and smells with memories; memories of past holidays, late nights at haunted houses and spending time with family may surface from the smell of a candle, for example.

Reneè Sarmiento, a sophomore studying biochemistry, recalls the memories she associates with fall.

“I would say softball,” Sarmiento said. “And really just sports in general, like football season.”

Sports are everywhere during the fall. For those who play a sport or enjoy watching them, the memory of past games can be evoked just from the cool breeze in the air. At Virginia Tech, football is a huge part of the season. There is something so special about bundling up to go to a night game with friends while surrounded by thousands of people cheering together. Sports, along with many

With sweater weather, pumpkin spice and fun activities, autumn brings an atmosphere unparalleled to other seasons.

continued from page 3

other things, can invoke all the familiar feelings of past experiences.

Fall is also the season of a multitude of events; festivals, football games and holiday parties are a few examples of activities that people have to look forward to. Not only is the weather perfect for any indoor or outdoor event, but excitement for the holidays and time spent with friends and family increases exponentially as the season progresses. Seeing the streets decorated for the time of year and hearing about

various events scattered throughout the season enhances the experience of everyday life. Urban Wellness notes that having something to look forward to increases productivity and makes getting through the rough patches of a day more bearable.

In the New River area, there are a multitude of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the fall season. Sinkland Farms is a great example. The farm has many fall-themed activities planned for this year, including pumpkin picking, hayrides and more. All of these events can be found at their annual Pumpkin Festival starting this weekend on

the 29th. There is also the Blacksburg Farmers Market that occurs weekly on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings where attendees can find great local produce, plants and other homemade foods. Walking around the market on a crisp autumn morning is an ideal way to start the day. Hiking is another great way to experience fall in the Blacksburg area. The New River Valley is known for its picturesque hiking trails, especially in the fall. Bald Knob, Cascades and Dragon’s Tooth are all well-known trails that capture the beauty of Virginia in the fall.

I’m excited to go hiking for sure,” Sarmiento

LIFESTYLES

said. “I’m also excited to go to games and to volunteer around the community.”

During the fall, there is always something to look forward to. Whether it’s visiting a pumpkin patch or staying in to watch scary movies, there are lots of fun things to do. Making memories and new experiences are what make life fun and exciting. This year, embrace the fall season and immerse yourself in all of its finest qualities.

OFF-CAMPUS FALL FAMILY FUN

If you’re not sure what to do with your family during family weekend, worry no more! Virginia Tech is in an amazing location to spend time outdoors, explore downtown Blacksburg’s cool places or even just grab a

bite to eat and catch up with your loved ones. Keep reading for the best places to visit while they’re here!

Outdoor Activities

Take your family on a walk through campus

to show them where you spend your time with friends, your daily walks to class or just your favorite places to find some peace and quiet. Sharing your space with them and giving them a glimpse into your life can

help you feel connected, especially if you’re missing home later in the semester.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Mountain Lake Lodge (MLL) has multiple hikes of continued on page 5

varying length and intensity. The 40-minute drive from campus offers beautiful views of the valley and incredible ecosystems that are different from those close to campus. MLL offers a wonderful getaway that transports you to a peaceful and quiet place that allows you to unwind and disconnect from the world for a little while.

If you’re looking for a picturesque destination, look no further than the four mile hike to Cascade Falls. Driving nearly 30 minutes from campus, you can hike along Little Stony Creek until you reach the falls. If you’re feeling so bold, take a little swim and enjoy the refreshing water falling into the pool below the falls. It’s a beautiful place to hike and eat lunch and perfect for a range of ages. Look only for more details to make sure it’s the right decision for your crew.

When wanting to go someplace off campus but not too far away, check out the Huckleberry Trail. This trail extends between Christiansburg and Blacksburg but has entry and exit points all throughout, making it customizable to the length you desire to go. This paved path is great for walking, running, biking, pushing a stroller and more. The Huckleberry also connects to other unpaved trail systems that can be conquered if you so choose.

Heritage Park is another great local spot that overlooks the mountains. Featuring both paved paths as well as trails through woods and fields full of wildflowers, Heritage Park is

less than 10 minutes from campus. It’s a great place to see the sunset. There is space for your furry friends to stretch their legs after a long car ride, set up a blanket and relax or just take in the serenity where it feels far away from the hustle and bustle of campus when really you’re quite close. If you’re hungry when you’re done, it’s right across the street from Rising Silo Brewery.

If you’re looking for a bit more in depth adventure, take a trip to the New River! Being close to Virginia Tech, there are a myriad of activities to do including floating the river, fishing, swimming, kayaking or just hanging out and enjoying listening to the water flow. It is a fun way to spend time outdoors, entertain all ages, and get a breather from all that’s going on close to campus.

Indoor Activities

If the weather isn’t being cooperative or you’re just looking to spend some time indoors, there’s also tons to do.

Take a look and see at what’s playing at the Lyric, the local movie theater. It’s incredibly close to campus, so you can walk from your dorm and grab a bite to eat on the way. There’s always something fun playing and no better way to sit back and relax than spending time watching a movie and enjoying being transported to another realm. There is also B&B Theatres at First & Main with B-Roll Bowling that gives you a chance to see a movie or knock down a few pins in some swaggy non-slip shoes. If the family can’t decide on one activity to do, this is a

great chance to meet both desires and split up between a movie and bowling.

When in doubt, you can take a trip to Christiansburg and do some shopping. There’s a store for everyone and it gives you a chance to find new fall clothes as the weather starts getting colder, just the decoration your room has been missing or a new pair of shoes after walking around campus for a few weeks. Retail therapy could be just the right thing to kick off the rest of the semester with a positive outlook.

You definitely should take a trip to the grocery store while your family is here. Whether it’s because you don’t usually have time, or don’t have an easy means of transportation there, or maybe they’re willing to help with some of your groceries and you can get a few more “treat yourself” items, going to the grocery with your family at college can be one of the best things to do while they’re here. Maybe get that candy you’ve been craving for the last couple of weeks, you deserve it.

Places to visit in the heart of Blacksburg: Main Street has all types of enjoyable places to visit. Stop into Hello Gorgeous and get a cute outfit, the VT gear that every Hokie needs at Campus Emporium, a bite to eat or maybe just dessert! There are a variety of places to visit on the road that’s in the heart of Blacksburg.

The Moss Arts Center is a great place to walk through and see a variety of art collections. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re

simply interested in taking in the beauty of others’ hard work and creations, Moss Arts Center is a wonderful opportunity to add a little bit of creativity to your day and enjoy some amazing art pieces, right here on campus.

If your family is here on a Saturday, take a trip to the Blacksburg Farmers Market that’s open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and delight in the local wares including honey, socks, coffee, locally grown vegetables, bagels and a variety of different eats. Enjoy fresh flowers and the sense of community that can be found at the market, it’s the essence of a small town Saturday morning.

Check out what games are happening while your family’s here. Going to a game may be just the right thing to immerse your family in the culture of VT, see our athletes in action, and enjoy the thrills that come with watching a Hokie sports game.

Cox Driving Range is a great way to release some frustrations or just get out and practice your golf swing. Here you can see which family member can hit the best drive, get the best score in minigolf or who has the best aim and patience – perhaps you can make it a friendly family competition.

Rising Silo is a beautiful place to visit right near Heritage Park. It’s perfect for families of all ages, with a variety of beverages available as well as some amazing food including burgers, pizza and some pretty amazing fries. There are also campfires and lots of room to play games, lay a blanket and talk and, depending on the night, enjoy local music.

Eastern Divide is also a unique location and a great place for families of all ages. There’s a variety of drinks and food available, as well as lots of space to play Chess, Uno, Connect Four, Spikeball, kick a soccer ball or simply relax and catch up.

Feeling hungry?

Some of Blacksburg’s most popular eateries include Cabo Fish Taco, Our Daily Bread, Macados and Bull and Bones. All are fairly close to campus and offer a wide variety that makes them the perfect place for everyone in the family to find something they’ll enjoy.

Overall, Blacksburg has a variety of fun places to visit, so take the time to try new things and show your world to your family. It’ll be a special memory for you and them that can be held on to for years to come. Welcome parents and families, enjoy your time in the beautiful fall weather here in Blacksburg.

ABBIGALE EVANS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

The Cascades in the fall, 2020.

GUIDE TO FAMILY WEEKEND

Aidan Mason | lifestyles writer

Lifestyles writer Aidan Mason provides an itinerary to prepare for parents weekend.

Hokie fans during the pregame tailgate outside of Lane, Sept. 22, 2022.

There’s a lot to be said for growing up and building a life of your own, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave everything about your childhood behind. For instance, just because you’re at college doesn’t mean that you can’t invite your family over for a visit. What better way to start than at Family Weekend?

Running from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, it’s a chance to not only reunite with family but also give your family a look into the new stage of your life. Not only that, but it’s also the opportunity to have a fun weekend with your family before the crushing reality of exams and tests falls upon you once again. But what is there to do? Well, there’s plenty of options, and it all depends on what you’re looking for.

How to prepare

The first thing that’s probably on your mind is logistics, especially if your family live out of state. Not only that, but how do you

make sure you get to the activities that you desire? The answer is simple: preparation.

Try and have your loved ones arrive as early as possible, perhaps on a Thursday or early Friday. Traffic can get very heavy around this area, especially during a weekend game day. If you’re having them stay at a hotel, make sure to book well in advance to ensure that you have a room in store.

In terms of signing up for the weekend itself, head over to the Hokie Family Hub website to sign up — registration is completely free.

To keep track of activities related to family weekend, make sure to download the Hokies on Track app. There, you’ll be able to see the full schedule for the weekend and all the activities you and your family can do while here at Virginia Tech.

Highlights of the weekend

Once you’ve got the app, you’ll notice

that there are many activities for you and your family to partake in. So many, as a matter of fact, that you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. To help you decide on what matters most, here are some of the highlights.

First off, the Kick-Off on College Ave. The street will be closed to allow for weekend activities that offer everything and everything for the family, such as music, law games, beer gardens and special appearances from our spirit squads. Don’t forget while you’re down there to stop by Squires Student Center, where they’ll be hosting GobblerNights all throughout the weekend. And last, but certainly not least, the Fall Family Weekend Tailgate, where you and dozens of other Hokie fans can gather and chat while eagerly anticipating the big event.

The big game

Then there’s the event that many regard

as the capstone of the entire weekend: the Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh football game. The game itself starts around 8 p.m., so make sure to bring some sweaters and jackets in case it gets chilly. It’s also in your best interest to arrive early to make sure you get into your seats on time and get comfortable before kickoff.

Once that’s all settled in, enjoy the game and make sure to cheer on our Hokies. Regardless of the events you choose or the path you take, what’s most important is that you’re safe and having fun. Even if you don’t choose to go to the game, there are plenty of other amazing events hosted by Virginia Tech and independent organizations around the area that’ll make sure your weekend is a blast. So go out there, have fun and hug your family!

ANDREW RODGERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY AND RUSHING DEFENSE CONTINUE TO HAUNT VIRGINIA TECH IN NARROW LOSS TO MARSHALL

Thomas Bray | SPORTS EDITOR

The Hokies’ (1-3) offense continued to be an issue in a 24–17 loss to Marshall (3-0). Virginia Tech converted just one third down through the air, and were 2-13 on third down overall.

On the Hokies’ first drive, they established the running game. After Bhayshul Tuten took a swing pass to midfield, the junior had a 27-yard gain on the ground to put the Hokies in scoring position.

With a fresh set of downs, Kyron Drones scored from 31 yards out to give the Hokies the first lead of the day. Considering they struggled to run the ball in their last two matchups, Virginia Tech’s 62 yards rushing on their first drive was very impressive.

Marshall was also moving the ball effectively on their first drive before a costly turnover. Rasheen Ali had four carries for 13 yards on the first drive and helped the Thundering Herd reach midfield.

Facing a fresh set of downs, Marshall quarterback Cam Fancher underthrew a receiver on a wheel route, resulting in an interception by Keli Lawson. Lawson is a special athlete, and cracked Bruce Feldman’s College football Freaks List.

The Hokies failed to capitalize on the turnover on their ensuing drive. A falsestart on Xavier Chaplin put the Hokies in a third-and-long scenario, and they couldn’t convert. The Hokies were behind the chains for most of the day after the opening drive.

To close the first quarter, Fancher connected with Ethan Payne on a 35-yard pass down the sideline. Fancher then found DeMarcus Harris in the soft spot of Virginia Tech’s zone to tie the game. The Kentucky-transfer is one of the many former Power Five players on the Marshall roster.

Tuten put the Hokies in scoring

position with another big gain on the ground on the following drive. After Drones found Stephen Gosnell for a 15 yard gain, Tuten broke free on a 49-yard run. With the ball at Marshall’s 12-yard line, the drive stalled and the Hokies settled for three.

The rushing defense for the Hokies has been an issue through the first month of the season. Ali took over halfway through the second quarter. Marshall’s play caller, Clint Trickett, ran the ball on every play of the drive, and Ali got past the second level of the Hokies’ defense on a 56-yard touchdown run.

After the questionable interception early in the game, Marshall got great quarterback play from Fancher. The redshirt-sophomore was 3-4 on the following drive and accounted for 37 yards to put Marshall ahead 17–10.

Fancher finished his 2022 season winning all five starts and accounting for nine total touchdowns. Both teams traded three-and-outs before the break, but the Hokies had enough chunk plays to head into intermission trailing 10–17.

The Hokies’ defense forced a threeand-out to begin the second half, but their offense stalled on the ensuing drive. Virginia Tech converted just one third down in the second half.

Marshall continued their success on the ground in the third quarter. Payne was a great compliment to Ali. The junior running-back posted season-highs in rushing and receiving yards against Virginia Tech.

Payne’s presence in the backfield kept Ali fresh, and he gashed the Hokies. After a pass interference call gave Marshall a fresh set of downs, Ali broke free for another huge gain.

Sophomore defensive back Mansoor Delane’s shoestring tackle momentarily

saved a touchdown, but Payne followed that with a big gain of his own to bring the ball to the Hokies one-yard-line. Ali punched it in from one yard out and the Thundering Herd had a two possession lead.

Virginia Tech’s defense was salty to finish the third quarter. The group forced a three-and-out and Keonta Jenkins picked off Fancher. The Hokies just couldn’t find success outside of the quarterback run game, and they couldn’t capitalize on Marshall’s miscues.

Drones took over with his legs midway through the fourth quarter. The Baylortransfer accounted for all but four yards on the scoring drive, and scored from 16 yards out to make it a one possession game.

It was up to the Hokies defense to get another stop, and it appeared as if Alan Tisdale got the Hokies off the field before he was penalized for a unnecessary roughness infraction that the sports broadcasters questioned. Brent Pry’s group stayed composed, however, and they forced a punt shortly after.

With the ball on the Virginia Tech nineteen-yard-line and just under three minutes remaining, the Hokies had a chance to send the game into overtime.

On fourth and short, Drones hung in the pocket and found Tuten for 19 yards and a first down.

Benji Gosnell had two crucial catches and the Hokies were in Marshall territory. On another crucial fourth down, Bob Schick was called for a false start.

A pre-snap penalty coming out of a timeout on fourth down proved demoralizing and the Hokies failed to convert on fourth and medium.

Drones was more decisive in the fourth quarter of this one, but the offense has a long way to go if they want to compete for bowl eligibility. With this loss, The

Hokies enter conference play desperately needing a win.

It was another one-score loss for a team that is weary of coming up short.

“We just gotta be consistent,” Drones said. “We know we’re close, but everyone on this team is tired of being close.”

The Hokies will return to Lane Stadium to take on Pitt (1-3) on Saturday, Sept. 30 in a battle of struggling teams.

The Hokies have lost three consecutive games after winning the season opener.

SWIM AND DIVE DOMINATES GEORGE WASHINGTON

Ellen Muldowney | sports staff writer

Both the men’s and women’s teams began their seasons with a win.

1-meter with 305.48 and the 3-meter with a score of 381.15, sweeping the competition with first-place scores.

Emma Atkinson, Fanni Gyurinovics, Emily Claesson and Carmen Weiler Sastre started off the Saturday meet with the first 200-medley relay of the season. Atkinson had an explosive start off the blocks with a 26.44 backstroke split, giving the girls a confident lead to start the day with a 1:44:01. Tech’s other relay in the event wasn’t far behind, going a 1:48:86, sliding them into the third place slot.

the 200 back and free and Sastre taking the 100 back and free. Atkinson earned a hefty 20 points, and Sastre was not far behind, with 18 points.

Coll Marti was also a standout, placing first in the men’s 200 IM, 200 breast and 100 breast and reeling in an impressive 27 points for the Hokies. Nico Garcia also pulled 20 points, with his first placements in the 200 back and 1000 free.

Over Friday and Saturday, the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s swim and dive teams swept George Washington, 214–86, in an electric season opener in Washington D.C., starting them off strong with a record of 2–0.

The dive team kicked off the meet on Friday, when Peyton Guziec, Ava Gilroy,

Grace Austin and Jacob Fisher put some significant points on the board for the Hokies. Guziec placed second in the women’s 1-meter with a score of 251.70. Gilroy placed second in the 3-meter with a 260.48, and Austin finished strong right behind her with a 255.53, in fourth place. Fisher showed out in both the men’s

The men’s 200-medley relay followed, taking after the women with confident first and second placements. Carles Coll Marti, who had the fastest butterfly split, led their winning relay, going a seamless 21.26 to help lead his teammates Forest Webb, William Hayon and Luis Dominguez Calogne to victory, finishing in 1:29:57.

Allison Henry had nothing short of a successful meet, taking first in the 100-yard breast, 200-yard breast, and finishing off with a 200 individual medley win. Atkinson and Weiler Sastre also had two individual victories, with Atkinson winning

Altogether, the Hokies defeated the Revolutionaries, 214–86. Their next meet is Oct. 7, where they’ll take on Texas A&M in Colombia, South Carolina for the first time in Virginia Tech swim and dive history.

UWIMANA’S LATE GOAL BOOSTS HOKIES TO VICTORY AGAINST BOSTON COLLEGE, 1–0

Luke Evans | Sports staff writer

Virginia Tech went unbeaten through three ACC games for the first time since 2013.

On a cool autumn night at Thompson Field, it was Virginia Tech (2–2–3, 2–0–1 ACC) who was able to beat Boston College (2–3–3, 0–2–3 ACC), 1–0, thanks to a remarkable finish from freshman Noe Uwimana.

The first half of the game featured lots of back-and-forth in possession and in offensive momentum. The biggest chance of the half came from Boston College’s midfielder Xavier O’Neil, as he dribbled through many of the Hokies defenders, leading to a long, curling shot that just missed the far corner post.

Freshman Marcos Escoe nearly had a

good look at goal, but the goal celebration lights flickered before the ball could go into the back of the net, leading to confusion and an eventual loss of possession.

The Hokies came out from the locker room at halftime and brought the pressure, creating many chances early on. Wingbacks Uwimana and junior Willie Cardona were key focal points in the attack, getting lots of crosses in, and through balls to the strikers. Senior midfielders Marco Vesterholm and Mayola Kinyua were vital for the Hokies as they maintained possession and spread the ball out throughout the game.

With 12 minutes left in a slow second half, the Hokies needed someone to step up to get them the win. Enter Uwimana. After the Hokies held possession for a few minutes, the ball went to Uwimana on the left wing just inside the Eagles’ half. He dribbled through multiple defenders, and took a daring shot that curled into the top left corner.

With the celebration lights flickering and the fans cheering wildly, the Hokies still had to maintain their composure and keep this lead they had built for 11 more minutes. They were able to do just that, giving the Hokies their second win of the season.

In the 19th matchup between these two teams, Friday night’s win gives the Hokies four wins in the series against Boston College, making the Hokies record against the Eagles 4–10–5.

Virginia Tech will next be in action against High Point on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. on Thompson Field. @CTSPORTSTALK

HAMAD ALHENDI / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Virginia Tech’s Youssef Ramadan surging out of the water during the first men’s 150-meter butterfly heat, Sept. 15, 2023.

@CTSPORTSTALK