COLL LLEG EGIA IATTETIMES COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
August 25, 2026
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A NEW CHAPTER OF THE COLLEGIATE TIMES Ava Garrison | Editor-in-Chief The Collegiate Times transitions to a digital-only newspaper.
In May 2026, the Collegiate Times announced the transition from a print paper to an all-digital format. In this transition, the Collegiate Times’ staff has been committed to ensuring our digital presence serves the work we do as well as creating optimal opportunities for current students, alumni and staff to access our newspaper. This transition has been exciting, full of opportunity and promise for student journalism. Looking forward, the CT will continue our digital interface on our social media platforms. Our writers and social media members will become storytellers in video and content creation to better serve our audience by meeting them where they are: online. Our digital platforms are a space where our writers and staff can be easily connected to students and alumni in an ever-changing digital world. The CT is committed to telling stories of our community, Virginia Tech’s
campus, alumni and national news as it relates to our student body. Our editions are changing, but the quality and importance of the CT content will continue to be a priority for our newspaper. The CT’s mission statement is as true as ever in our new digital space: “The Collegiate Times is Virginia Tech’s independent, student-run newspaper. It conducts operations following the mission below: To deliver timely, accurate, relevant news to the Virginia Tech community and the New River Valley. To provide students looking to pursue or gain experience in the field of journalism with a place to do so. This includes providing them with the tools they need to succeed and helping them learn from their mistakes when they make them; showing them the ins and outs of what it takes to run both a news outlet and a small business; going out of our way to ensure they have the best experiences possible and listening to constructive
criticism about how the paper’s operations can be improved. To advocate for the freedom of the press and be looked to as a leader for news delivery in the Virginia Tech and New River Valley communities.” Following our transition, we encourage students of all majors and
interests to get involved in the CT. This shift in our newspaper has created new possibilities and grants our staff the opportunity to be more creative and innovative.
OUR CORE VALUES Impartiality means reporting, editing and delivering the news honestly, fairly, objectively and without opinion or bias. Credibility is the greatest asset of any news medium, and impartiality is the greatest source of credibility. To provide the most complete report, a news organization must not just cover the news, but uncover it. It must follow the story wherever it leads, regardless of any preconceived ideas on what might be most newsworthy. The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is therefore not to determine what they believe at that time to be the truth and reveal only
that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth. When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.
Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center
All letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and Blacksburg, VA, 24061 department. Other submissions must include city of residence and opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Stack of Collegiate Times newspapers, Nov. 13 2021.
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The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2020. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
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August 25, 2026 PAGE 3
GOBBLERFEST WELCOMES STUDENTS TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES Erin Bailey | News Editor
Over 700 student organizations participate at Gobblerfest and it is free for students to attend. Virginia Tech’s annual Gobblerfest, hosted by Student Engagement and Campus Life, will take place Aug. 28 on the Drillfield from 4 to 7 p.m. Gobblerfest is a fair that lets students explore opportunities in Blacksburg and on campus. This year’s event will only feature Virginia Tech organizations and departments. Past Gobblerfests included community businesses and sponsors, but they are now encouraged to participate in the Family Weekend community fair. Gobblerfest started in 2008 and has grown in participation throughout the years. Over 700 booths participate, including various Greek life organizations, social clubs and intramural sports. There are also live performances, music and games. Virginia Tech is home to 62 fraternities and sororities. These range from traditional Greek life to professional, service, honor, local and coed organizations. Students are able to explore various sport clubs at Gobblerfest ranging from club competitive cheer to roller hockey.
While these sport club teams are not part of the university’s NCAA program, they are supported by Recreational Sports and are run by a set of officers. Opportunities for students to gain academic experience beyond their classes are present at Gobblerfest. Clubs such as 3304 Sports and the Environmental Student Organization give students a way to connect outside of the classroom. Virginia Tech also hosts several cult ural organizations allowing students from a broad range of religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities to find their place on campus. The Collegiate Times will participate with a booth at Gobblerfest where students can connect with members and learn more about the organization and how to join. Gobblerfest is free for all students to attend. For students unable to attend, GobblerConnect hosts information and details about organizations on the website.
MICHAELA SCOTT / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Collegiate Times booth at Gobblerfest poses for a photo.
OWENS FOOD COURT CONVERTS TO ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Julian Namez | News Editor
The dining hall has been changed to match first-year students’ unlimited meal plans. Owens Food Court has been reshaped for the current school year. Built in 1939 with a renovation in 1991, Owens Food Court has served as a traditional dining hall with several different dining options, each offering items with their own pricing. In previous years, students would pick up their food and then go to the cashiers to be charged for what they ordered. Owens has now been converted into an all-you-can-eat style dining center. Upon entering through the archways in the front, students will be met with the cashiers who will charge them the
dining fees. The rates to enter are $13 at breakfast and $17.95 at lunch and dinner. Once you enter, you have unlimited access to the food court. There have also been changes in the dining options. Freshens, which offers smoothies and acai bowls, has been moved to West End. In its place now is a coffee bar, which includes drip coffee from Deet’s Place located in Dietrick Hall. Garden, located in the center of the food court, now offers a noodle bar, along with its preexisting salads, fruits and yogurt bar. This transition in Owens is reflective
of changes in Virginia Tech’s dining plan options. First-year students living on campus are now required to choose from one of two dining plans, Unlimited and Unlimited Plus. Both offer unlimited swipes at all-you-can-eat dining centers such as Owens and Dietrick. The Unlimited Plus plan has $600 in declining balance dollars compared to the Unlimited plan’s $225. These plans are also available to all other Virginia Tech students. Virginia Tech has been consistently rated as one of the best dining services in the country, most recently being ranked
as the second best college food in America by Niche. To learn more about Virginia Tech Dining, visit the Dining Services website.
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LIFESTYLES TOP FIVE BEST WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
Samuel Harvey | Lifestyles Assistant Editor
Looking to make new friends? Here are five methods to find your B.F.F.’s in college. For many, the friendships formed while attending college have positive impacts that can last a lifetime. Hokies of every generation have bonded with one another in ways that are unique to the college experience. Attending a university as large as Virginia Tech offers a plethora of opportunities to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. However, this prospect can seem daunting, especially for students beginning their first year in college. Whether you are a social butterfly in search of a large friend group or an introvert looking for that one rideor-die B.F.F., here are five opportunities to help new Hokies make friends. Get to know people in your hall With 48 on-campus residence halls, Virginia Tech’s students call a variety of different campus locations home. From Cochrane Hall to Upper Quad Hall North, each residence hall hosts a unique array of students. Just like at home, students living in dorms become familiar with their next-door neighbors or those along the hall on their floor. One of the easiest ways to make connections in the dorms is simply keeping the door open. Allowing fellow students in your hall to stop by and introduce themselves or have a quick chat can lay the foundations for friendship within the dorm setting. It offers a casual, low-stakes context to meet new people and find common ground in the norms of on-campus living. Once these foundations are laid, further ways to be social with dorm neighbors include hosting a board game night, watching a movie or cooking a meal together in the communal kitchen. No matter the residence hall, there will always be potential friends living right
next door. University social media Even before the semester officially starts, the opportunity to meet incoming students through social media is easily accessible. Most universities, including Virginia Tech, have official Instagram accounts as well as unofficial “commitment” accounts where new students can post bios and pictures once they commit to a university. Virginia Tech students have also created specific Snapchat stories for their respective grade levels, which give a community platform to share funny videos, questions and other short-form content. Another way to virtually connect with fellow students is through Yik Yak. In this app, users can post their thoughts anonymously to a wealth of various threads and communities. Virginia Tech has its own Yik Yak community for students to share anything that comes to mind. Other smaller communities include Affirmations, Dating, Sports and Book Club. Although the initial posts remain anonymous, Yik Yak has a direct message feature where further contact information can be shared if chosen to. Each of these platforms provides easy ways to reach out to other new students through either direct messaging, commenting or video calls. Find a study buddy With classes beginning less than a week after freshman move-in begins, the rigor and challenges of academics provide a quick way to meet new people. Whether it’s the large lecture auditorium of Litton-Reaves Hall or the smaller classrooms of McBryde Hall, the chance to start a conversation or make an introduction to fellow classmates is always available. Even the smallest
conversations about assignments or exams can open the door to finding common ground with other students. When exams roll around, creating a study group allows new students to meet with their classmates in a more relaxed setting while still working together to better their academics. The fourth floor of Newman Library has enclosed cubicles for rent that make the perfect hideout for study groups looking to grind out assignments together. Study groups can also accomplish their tasks over a meal at Burger ‘37 in Squires Student Center. No matter the location, starting a study group gives a chance for classmates to develop close bonds with the casual backdrop of coursework. Join a club One of the most effective ways to meet like-minded Hokies is through any of the 100-plus organizations on campus. Information regarding these organizations can be found on GobblerConnect, an online platform that overviews clubs and organizations available to students at Virginia Tech. For a more up-close look at the clubs on campus, Virginia Tech hosts Gobblerfest each year on the Drillfield. This showcases a wide variety of clubs, intramural sports teams and fraternity and sorority organizations. Each respective group has its own booth where representatives and members from each club can answer questions and give students an insight into why their club is worth joining. The clubs and organizations on display at Gobblerfest give new students a chance to find others with common interests. Making friendships can be a little easier when commonalities such as a favorite sport or activity are shared. This year, Gobblerfest will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Attend social events Virginia Tech hosts several social events during the Weeks of Welcome which are geared toward helping new students make connections. One such activity is the Pool Party, held at War Memorial Hall. During this event, students can enjoy inflatable games, water sports or simply savor a relaxing time floating in the pool. The Pool Party will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 8 to 10 p.m. The full Weeks of Welcome schedule is available to view on the Student Affairs website. Making friends in college can seem daunting and can take some time, but these five methods for forming friendships will help any new Hokie plant the seeds for stronger bonds in the future. Even the simplest acts, from keeping the dorm door open to inviting someone new to take the nearby empty seat in class, can gently push new students out of their comfort zone to meet others in the same boat.
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August 25, 2026 PAGE 5
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HEALTHY HOKIE HABITS: WAYS TO RECHARGE DISCONNECTING FROM SCREENS Annie O’Connell | Lifestyles Assistant Editor
From journaling to walking, Lifestyles Assistant Editor Annie O’Connell shares how to build healthy habits away from screens. As we enter a new school year and students begin to settle into their homes and class schedules, habits naturally begin to form. Hokies get in the groove of waking up early, getting to class on time and socializing with new friends. However, even as these healthy habits form, it is natural to feel stress from trying to balance class, friends and clubs. Once stress enters students’ minds, it can be easy to turn to phones and social media as a distraction. Thirty minutes, one hour, maybe even three pass by, and students are often left feeling more anxious after they’ve taken their “brain break.” According to the American Brain Foundation, studies show that doomscrolling reinforces negative thoughts and feelings, causes significant irritability, increases anxiety and
depression, and can cause panic attacks. So, while scrolling endlessly may feel like an easy way to shut out stress, it opens doors to more intense anxiety. Instead of relying on a screen, here are some productive ways to replace doomscrolling and recharge as students enter into a new school year. Exploring Campus Walking doesn’t only alleviate stress, but also improves cardiovascular health and controls blood sugar levels, according to “The power of walking: steps to better health.” The brain is stimulated solely from the act of walking, and pairing it with exploring never-before-seen places on campus is sure to help when emotions
are high. Whether you choose to explore campus alone, with a classmate or a roommate, stepping away from your phone and into the beautiful Blacksburg campus is something you will never get tired of. Journaling When emotions feel heavy to carry, journaling is found to be a great way to stay grounded. Beyond the Mood Boost discusses how people rewriting a situation and reframing it into their own words makes its emotional impact lighter. As we begin to see the situation for what it is, we begin to think rationally. Even the simple act of just writing about our days, or creating a fun story can reduce stress.
Board Games While board games help memory skills, critical thinking skills and stress reduction, playing board games with friends is an exciting way to recharge. Learning the rules, getting competitive, placing bets, laughing and screaming with friends is a great way to step back from school and truly connect with the people around us. As stress can begin to feel heavy, especially with new beginnings, disconnecting from phones is just what we need to truly recharge, stay healthy and connect with Hokies.
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HOKIE JOBS: TIPS FOR FINDING ONCAMPUS EMPLOYMENT Ella Winterling | Lifestyles Editor For flexible schedules and financial independence, Hokies can find on-campus jobs through a variety of resources.
While college can be a time filled with newfound independence, social life and extracurriculars, sometimes that independence also means having more financial responsibility; making time for a job in addition to classes and clubs can be tricky. Luckily, Virginia Tech offers a range of on-campus jobs with flexible scheduling that can also give students career-relevant experience. Figuring out where to start can be daunting, but by utilizing online and campus resources, a part-time job can be a great solution to gain a little bit more financial independence. Online Tools There are a variety of online resources for students to use to find on-campus jobs. Many Virginia Tech jobs are posted on websites like Handshake. From dining hall jobs to internships, checking Handshake is a great way to keep up with new
opportunities. Campus InternEXP is an additional opportunity that can be found through Handshake as well. The program partners with university organizations to create structured internship opportunities for students. There are internships in fall, spring and summer terms, and applications open a few months prior. Campus InternEXP is a great experience for students looking to gain more experience in their career field while maintaining a flexible work-life balance. While it may be common practice for most students, staying updated on emails is also an important factor when looking for an on-campus job. Advisors, professors or campus organizations may send out emails about job opportunities, so staying up to date with emails can be helpful in knowing what organizations on campus are hiring. Networking
Communicating with professors and advisors is another beneficial strategy when looking for an on-campus job. If a certain class or professor stands out, stay after class and express your interest in research or teaching assistant positions. Even if there are no available jobs, it’s beneficial to get to know professors, which can potentially open the door for future opportunities. Setting up a meeting with your advisor to chat about on-campus options is another way to find career-relevant opportunities. Advisors are knowledgeable about campus resources, their assigned area of study and student extracurriculars. Whether a student is looking for a specific opportunity or general guidance, speaking with an advisor is a beneficial resource outside of deciding on class schedules. Career and Professional Development Career and Professional Development is
an on-campus organization dedicated to helping Hokies become career-ready and offer a multitude of resources from workshops to events. The center is currently offering drop-in coaching, workshops and more to help students get in the beginning weeks of the fall semester. The Campus Student Employment Fair, organized by Career and Professional Development, will be held Monday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students can meet with on-campus employers to learn more about opportunities and career advancement. Virginia Tech is a large university with a variety of resources to offer. Communicating with professors, utilizing on-campus resources and staying up to date on job search websites are all valuable strategies for Hokies looking for an on-campus job.
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PAGE 6 August 25, 2026
OPINIONS COLLEGE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
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Kennedy Monahan | Opinions Columnist
The transition to college from high school can feel difficult; don’t be afraid to make it whimsical.
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.
Throughout 2026, people have looked to add more whimsy to their lives. It’s a trend that I think has added a lot of positivity to people’s lives through incorporating playful, joyful and imaginative elements into everyday tasks. Especially in college, doing something whimsical can be a nice break from the chaos of student life — things like watching the sunset, having a picnic with friends or just going for a walk. At its core, whimsy refers to “unusual, funny, and pleasant ideas or qualities.” Particularly for incoming freshmen and transfer students, finding whimsy can be a great way to transition into life in Blacksburg; doing little things that make you happy can make you feel at home. Whimsy can be anything. However, social media has caused whimsy to lose its individuality. When you search for anything related to whimsy, the results
often conform to the same aesthetic, which revolves around pastel clothing, colorful room decor and other similar trends. There’s nothing wrong with having that aesthetic, but confining whimsy to that aesthetic has made it lose its essence. You don’t have to dress or decorate your room a certain way to be whimsical. Whimsy is whatever you want it to be. While it is a subjective term, you can define it for yourself. Figuring out what you feel is whimsical can help you learn a lot about yourself and what you like to do. For example, something I did a lot during my freshman year was sitting on The Pylons. I would call my parents there, hang out with friends or I would just sit and listen to music. It was a good place for me to decompress at the end of the day, and it made me happy. Going to college is a big change, and doing things that make you happy can be comforting. Additionally, whimsy does not have to
involve spending money. Social media has portrayed whimsy as something that involves a shopping list and overconsumption. I’m not saying that activities involved with spending money aren’t whimsical because they certainly can be. Going thrifting or getting a sweet treat with your friends are things that I find whimsical. However, my main point is that whimsy does not always have to be associated with money. Primarily in college, where you probably won’t have much money, it’s important to do whimsical things that cost nothing. You can’t buy whimsy; you have to discover it. Creativity is an important part of being whimsical. You can figure out how to be whimsical without buying a bunch of stuff that might end up in a landfill in a couple of months. Particularly if you live in a dorm, how much of what you buy will fit in your room, and how much are you going to move out with? Whimsy can be found in anything. You won’t always find it on social media or by Googling “whimsy outfits” or “whimsy room decor.” Whimsy is also more than just your room and clothes. Things like going to watch the sunset, getting dinner with friends or hanging out on the Drillfield are all whimsical things you can do at Virginia Tech. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that whimsy is not an object or a place; it’s a feeling, and that feeling is different for everyone. What makes you happy may not be what makes someone else happy. You should always find time to do something that makes you happy. College can be difficult; you may find yourself missing home, feeling lost and stressed out of your mind, but it will get better. One way to make yourself feel better is to add some whimsy to your life. It doesn’t have to match the “whimsy aesthetic” on Instagram or TikTok. Whimsy is about being yourself and doing what makes you happy. College is the time to learn about yourself. So,
as the school year begins, learn a little more about your sense of whimsy and what it means to you. You own your college experience, and adding whimsy to your life will make that experience much more enjoyable.
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August 25, 2026 PAGE 7
FIND A CAUSE YOU ALIGN WITH AND VOLUNTEER COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
Emily Urda | Opinions Editor Volunteering is an effective way to spend time, create awareness and work towards a career.
Virginia Tech is a civic-minded community. Evidence of these systems is shown through thoughtful planning of the downtown area to the little details like flowers lining streets, the food pantries and local thrift stores. It’s difficult to not get involved in our community in some way. Greek life supports local and national causes, programs like the Engagement Center for Creative Aging exist around campus and Virginia Tech’s Big Event is hosted each year. Moreover, our school’s motto is Ut Prosim, which means “That I may serve.” Moving to college from home is an adjustment no matter where home may be. New systems, new friends and a new place to call home can be frightening and intimidating. Getting involved in clubs is important, but something overlooked is getting involved in civic-minded activities. Oftentimes we push individuals in the direction of internships, sports or clubs, but what about clubs that lift our community up? These communities often contain like-minded people who care about others. During a shift like transitioning from high school to college, finding
a sense of belonging can and will happen by interacting with locals and community members. Over the summer, I volunteered at my local Planned Parenthood and met many people from different walks of life. I spent time talking to fellow volunteers and learned about what led folks to volunteer at Planned Parenthood. Many women offered advice and connections to other civic organizations, and I made friends with some of the younger women who were closer to my age. These experiences affirmed my desire to spend time volunteering there. I looked forward to being there as I became a part of the community. One of the young women I became friends with shared her experiences of applying to medical school. I never saw myself attending a Pig Roast in celebration of the World Cup, but another one of the women I volunteered with invited me. Protesting happened at my local Planned Parenthood twice a week by the same folks, and unfortunately, they would often antagonize women who walked in, specifically young women. Seeing a young woman have to deal with harassment to simply access
healthcare, while men walked in without being bothered, made me angry, especially considering how slow women’s healthcare has progressed. I blocked the protesters and escorted women in; I translated for Spanish-speakers and made sure people were as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, the main reason I enjoyed my time volunteering was the smile of relief I was able to give people who walked into the clinic. The Big Event and local pantry volunteers must understand what I mean when I say that seeing someone soften, smile and put their guard down so you can help is what must make the world a better place. At a university that is known for engineering, business and natural resources, we are in a powerful position. It’s important to recognize the power we hold with the knowledge that we have. We must consider the implications of the things we have the power to create, the deals we can make and the resources we can use. My experiences affirmed my desire to work in healthcare. As a biomedical engineering student, it is also important that I continue to remember that the devices I create are to be worn by others
and must be made with care. My experiences are more than just opportunities; they’re reminders of the reason I’m pursuing the path that I am, and that is to improve quality of life and care. Instead of being on one side of the healthcare system, I value participating in different roles. Volunteering is a way to see systems from the outside. Down the line, I hope to gain experience working inside the clinic. In the future, I hope to use my engineering skills as a doctor. When college becomes difficult and the going gets tough, having support systems and activities that uplift you are important. Getting involved and becoming civicminded is extremely important, and a great way to feel like part of the community. Knowing who your neighbors are, learning important skills and ultimately knowing who in your community needs help will build a better Blacksburg and a better Virginia Tech community.
SPORTS
MEN’S SOCCER DROPS SEASON OPENER AT OHIO STATE 1-0 Brody Bryan | Sports Editor
The Buckeyes got their revenge to kick off the new season. A year after Virginia Tech men’s soccer stunned then-No. 3 Ohio State, 1-0, in Blacksburg to open the 2025 season, the Buckeyes returned the favor in Columbus. Senior forward Isaiah Chisolm headed home a corner taken by freshman midfielder Jack Wayne in the 58th minute, giving Ohio State a narrow lead it would not relinquish as the Buckeyes defeated Tech 1-0 on Thursday night at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. “It was a scrappy (corner) between me and the defender,” Chisolm told Ohio State Athletics after the game. “(Wayne) served a beautiful ball back post, and I was there. Great service from Jack. Good from all the guys, making their runs and getting me open.”
Chisolm’s decisive header was one of 19 Buckeye shots as Ohio State outshot the Hokies 19-6. The Buckeyes also tallied eight shots on goal, forcing Tech goalkeeper Diego Dauzier to make seven saves in his Hokies debut. Dauzier, a redshirt sophomore, spent two years at Temple before arriving in Blacksburg. He appeared in seven games for the Owls, recording two shutouts. He also earned the top saves-per-game average (4.56) in the American Athletic Conference in 2025. The Hokies managed two shots in the first 15 minutes — junior midfielder Alex Perez in the 10th minute and redshirt junior forward Chase Vazquez in the 15th — but failed to
generate another over the remaining 30 as the teams entered halftime scoreless. Despite the lack of first-half opportunities, Tech’s attack still presented problems for Ohio State and forced the Buckeyes to adjust defensively. “Virginia Tech, their shape is tricky,” Buckeyes head coach Brian Maisonneuve told Ohio State Athletics. “They throw a lot of numbers forward, so there were times we had to sit back a little bit. And then when you win it, their pressure is pretty good.” The Buckeyes came out of the break on the front foot, firing three shots within the opening seven minutes of the second half — their fourth coming just minutes later off the head of Chisolm to break the scoreless tie.
Ohio State continued to threaten after taking the lead, maintaining its steady offensive pressure and putting five shots on goal between the 63rd and 82nd minutes. Dauzier made all five saves to keep the Hokies’ deficit at one. The Hokies showed more life offensively in the closing stages after falling behind, tallying their only two shots on goal in the 69th and 88th minutes. However, Buckeyes senior goalkeeper Patrick McLaughlin denied both attempts, and Tech dropped its season opener for the first time since 2023. Thursday night also provided the first collegiate action for freshmen Parker Polk, continued on page 8
PAGE 8 August 25, 2026
continued from page 7 Mehdi Kettani, Luke Hamel and Jaden Chan Tack. Polk and Chan Tack both earned
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starts in their Hokies debuts, with Chan Tack playing the full 90 minutes and recording one of Tech’s two shots on goal.
The Hokies will look for their first win of the season when they face Howard in their home opener at Thompson Field on Aug. 23
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at 4 p.m. ET.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER OPENS SEASON UNDEFEATED Alex Winn | Sports Editor
The Hokies have tied once but haven’t suffered a loss through this season’s first week. For the sixth straight year, the Hokies (2-0-1) have come out of their first three games with a zero in the loss column. They did so against three in-state opponents, Old Dominion, VMI and Liberty. The season started on Aug. 13 at Thompson Field against Old Dominion, a team Virginia Tech lost to 2-1 in 2025. The Hokies had three shots in the first 11 minutes, though none hit the back of the net. Virginia Tech then fell behind after a goal in the 18th minute by Monarchs fourth-year midfielder Madison Telmer, giving Old Dominion a 1-0 lead. Tech waited 10 minutes to respond with its first goal of the 2026 season: a shot from freshman forward Riley Karpinski off a cross from senior forward Anna Weir. The goal was the first for Karpinski in her collegiate career and it evened the match at 1-1. “When I saw (Weir) dribbling down the field, I knew I had to sprint my heart out to get down there,” Karpinski said. “Then she crossed it, and I just ran into it trying to calm myself down. Then I remember stepping into it, shooting it and then seeing it roll into the back of the net. The feeling I had was really excited. I couldn’t have done it without my team and running to my teammates after was an amazing feeling.” The match ground to a halt after that with no goals for the rest of the half. After one period, the Hokies seemed to hold a slight edge in everything but the scoreboard, leading in both shots taken, 8-6, and corners, 3-0. That changed in the 66th minute when the Hokies scored the tiebreaking goal, a shot off the boot of sophomore midfielder Hannah Pachan, with the assist coming from graduate student forward Eliana Salama, making it 2-1 Hokies. The score held until the final whistle, so the Hokies eked out a victory in the first game of the 2026 season. “It’s great to be back on Thompson Field and get a result,” said Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair postgame. “Definitely things we need to work on,
and I think we grew as a team tonight. We’re going to keep getting better and better.” Tech’s second match against VMI (0-1-0) was much more lopsided, even as the match started at a slower pace. Both teams lacked rhythm: The Hokies couldn’t find good shots to take as the Keydets were stifled by a superior Virginia Tech squad. The first goal didn’t come until the 34th minute, when Weir took advantage of a breakaway attack and beat Keydets goalie and sophomore Maren Ryberg with a shot from the box that landed inside the far-side post. The Hokies only led 1-0 at halftime, but one look at the stat sheet made it clear they were the better team. They outshot VMI 22-2 with six corner kicks to the Keydets’ zero. The dam was going to break eventually — the only question was when. The Hokies’ onslaught began just 16 seconds into the second half with a goal by sophomore forward Letizia Rossi. It was her first goal in a Tech uniform in just her second game back from a seasonending injury suffered in 2025. “I really want to thank my entire team, from my teammates to the staff,” Rossi said on social media postgame. “I couldn’t be happier. This is one of the best days of my life. My family was here to support me, and my team had been by my side, helping me get back on the field.” Then, just 24 seconds later, another Hokies shot met the nylon, this time from freshman midfielder Jonah Bradley for her first goal at Tech. “It was super exciting,” Bradley said. “(The ball) was kind of in a cluster and popped out. Then I saw the back post was open, so I took a shot. Thank goodness it went in. It was so fun to celebrate with my teammates and get my first goal as a Hokie.” In the span of 25 seconds, the score went from 1-0 to 3-0 in favor of Virginia Tech. It didn’t stop there, though. The Hokies poured in three more goals in the
second half and held the Keydets to only one shot in that half. Tech won 6-0 for its most goals in a match since 2021. It also had a different player score each of its goals. “Pleased with how we moved the ball and our little bit of urgency in the second half,” Adair said. “First half, I thought we were a little bit sloppy, a little lackadaisical in some moments, nice to see us jump on them at the start of the second half and really kind of set a tone for the match.” The match served as a milestone for Adair. It was his 175th win as head coach of the Hokies, making him the seventh coach in ACC women’s soccer history to eclipse the mark. The third match, four days later, was more of a test than either ODU or VMI. The Hokies (2-0-0) faced the Liberty Flames (1-1-0), which won Conference USA in 2025. Liberty is an opponent the Hokies have historically crushed. Entering Friday, they were 12-2-1 against the Flames; however, they hadn’t won the last two matchups, falling 2-1 in 2024 and tying 1-1 in 2025. Just like with ODU, the Hokies fell behind early, allowing a goal in the 9th minute to Liberty junior midfielder Isabella Wedemeyer on an assist from fifth-year defender Sallie Garner. The Hokies, like ODU, punched back with a goal of their own in the 33rd minute, this time from sophomore forward Lilli Lubic on an assist from Salama, her second of the season. However, Liberty responded to break the stalemate with less than three minutes in the first half on a score of their own off the foot of junior forward Margaret Garner, sister of Sallie, making the score 2-1 Liberty. The Hokies trailed going into the half for the first time in the young season, all while being outshot 8-6. The second half had to be fruitful for Virginia Tech if they wanted to extend their streak to six straight seasons of starting the first week undefeated. It took 12 and a half minutes,
but the Hokies answered. Weir scored on a rebound off the goalie after a free kick, and the Hokies brought the game back to an impasse score of 2-2. The score held until the final whistle, with help from two clutch saves from Hokies’ junior goalkeeper Julianna Trujillo in the final five minutes. Virginia Tech was outshot on Friday, 16-13, and took fewer corner kicks, 4-2, but in the end, they came out unscathed. “We knew it was going to be a very difficult game,” Adair said. “Liberty is a very good team. They’re dangerous going forward. We knew it was going to be tough with them. Pleased with our group, coming back twice to tie the game. (Trujillo) and our defense held strong in the end when they had a couple of set-piece chances, but we gotta come out with better starts.” The Hokies survived the Flames and remain undefeated heading into their next challenge, the Maryland Terrapins on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. on Thompson Field.
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