Virginia Tech Hokies
Overall Rank: #28
Conference Rank: #9 ACC
Virginia Tech Team Page
A dynamic balance of youth and experience returns to Blacksburg for veteran head coach Chugger Adair in 2013. Last season the Hokies made yet another appearance in the NCAA Tournament losing a hard fought battle to a difficult Georgetown side. The Hokies head into this newly expanded ACC, with the arrival of teams like Notre Dame, primed and ready to take the next step forward and make a run toward the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
2012 Record: 13-6-1, 4-5-1
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Chugger Adair
Strengths:
The duo of sophomore midfielder Ashley Meier and redshirt-senior Shannon Mayrose enter the 2013 season with a combined 15 goals and 7 assists from the 2012 season. This combination is going to make it challenging for defenses to attempt to double team, as both players are very adept at finishing high quality scoring chances for Virginia Tech. Their experience will be a huge bonus for Coach Adair heading into the ACC schedule in early September. The defense as a whole is very strong. The Hokies only allowed 20 goals in all of 2012. That is a solid number that will give you a chance to win every match. Senior Dayle Colpitts returns in goal for the Hokies. Colpitts started 15 matches in 2012 and had seven shutouts. Sophomore Caroline Kelly also returns in goal, she was 5-0-0 and only allowed two goals in her six overall appearances in 2012.
Weaknesses:
The Hokies need to increase their overall explosiveness in the attack. They averaged 1.85 goals per match in 2012 and that number needs to go up in 2013. The ability to score multiple goals becomes more critical in the postseason when matches get tighter and more physical. On the defensive side, the Hokies allowed a high shot on goal percentage of 46 percent in 2012. They did a nice job of limiting total shots but when teams did get shots on goal, they were able to take advantage of the Hokies, especially during conference play. In addition, a third key striker that can threaten double figures in goals will help the Hokies a great deal as well. Senior Jazmine Reeves had four goals and four assists last season. If she can almost double those numbers then Virginia Tech will be primed for a huge run in the NCAA Tournament.
Final Projection:
The Hokies have a manageable non-conference slate in 2013. The biggest test away from Blacksburg will be a neutral site match against Louisville, a very likely NCAA Tournament team, on August 30th at the Wake Forest Invitational. The conference schedule is a little more challenging with the additions of Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame taking away non-conference matches. However, the experienced duo of Mayrose and Meier should be enough to help the Hokies navigate this gauntlet. North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Florida State come to Blacksburg this fall. If this Hokie team stays healthy, they will knock off one or two of these teams, as Blacksburg is not the easiest place to travel to or play at. In the end, the Hokies should safely find their way into the NCAA tournament this fall.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Ashley Meier, Sophomore, MF, 8
Assists: Shannon Mayrose, Senior, F, 4; Jazmine Reeves, Senior, F, 4
Shots: Shannon Mayrose, Senior, F, 64
Saves: Dayle Colpitts, Senior, GK, 55
See All Women's Soccer Top 44 Team Previews
