Gobbler Country - All PostsThe Gold Standard For Virginia Tech Athleticshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50377/gobbler-fav.png2024-03-18T22:53:45-04:00http://www.gobblercountry.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T22:53:45-04:002024-03-18T22:53:45-04:00Virginia Tech football: WR coach Fontel Mines promoted to assistant head coach
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<figcaption>Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A good decision from Brent Pry. </p> <p id="H86r9w">Spring practice began late last week for the Virginia Tech football team. On Monday, the Hokies took care of some business with the announcement of a well-deserved promotion. </p>
<p id="KISC8u">Wide receivers coach/offensive recruiting coordinator Fontel Mines now has a new title. He will keep his current roles and add assistant head coach to his title. Head coach Brent Pry and the Hokies rewarded the 39-year-old Richmond native with another promotion.</p>
<p id="pqlO9G">Mines just completed his second season as Virginia Tech’s wide receivers coach since joining Pry’s initial coaching staff with the Hokies. After each of his first two years, other schools have tried to poach Mines. Mines stayed loyal to the Hokies, and Virginia Tech remained loyal to Mines. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let us reintroduce Coach Mines <br><br>Congratulations on the promotion to Assistant Head Coach! Well deserved <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsHome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsHome</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Mines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Mines</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3s823uFmd">pic.twitter.com/s3s823uFmd</a></p>— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesFB/status/1769813285640028631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="bJdJ7k">Not only has the wide receiver room improved under Mines, but his ability to recruit the transfer portal and high school recruits has made him one of the ACC’s top recruiters. The Hokies have pulled Quan Felton, Jaylin Lane, and Ali Jennings from the transfer portal in addition to signing Ayden Greene, Keylen “Brodie” Adams, and Chanz Wiggins from the high school ranks.</p>
<p id="knDL5W">Even more impressive, Felton has retained his group. </p>
<p id="v02q5l">Other opportunities will come for Mines, but something special is brewing in Blacksburg and kudos to Virginia Tech and Pry for realizing Mines’ importance and valuing him properly. </p>
<p id="O6ECc7">A former University of Virginia wide receiver, Mines had a brief run in the NFL with the Chicago Bears before jumping into coaching in 2011. Before coming to Blacksburg, Mines had coached at Richmond, Delaware, James Madison, East Carolina and Old Dominion. </p>
<p id="t58Xkx">Congratulations, Coach Mines. </p>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/18/24105460/virginia-tech-football-wr-coach-fontel-mines-promoted-to-assistant-head-coach-brent-pryBryan D. Manning2024-03-18T12:00:00-04:002024-03-18T12:00:00-04:00Virginia Tech Hokie Baseball Wins! Marist on Tuesday and the Louisville Road Series 2 Games to 1
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<figcaption>Griffin Stieg becoming a shutdown pitcher. Dominates Game 3 against Louisville (here on the home bump against Notre Dame). | John Schneider - SB Nation (file)</figcaption>
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<p>The Hokies had a solid middle of March 3-4 performance. They defeated Marist on Tuesday in a blowout, and then traveled to Louisville for a big ACC contest and took the series 2 games to 1. </p> <h3 id="YWLSkQ"><strong>What a Week for Hokie Baseball!</strong></h3>
<p id="Zyaav4">We aren’t going to give away any Omaha references just yet, but the Virginia Tech Hokie Baseball Team is playing premium baseball early in the 2024 season, and the prospects for a good ACC record and finish are definitely there. We just won’t start bragging about anything just yet. Baseball weeks are like those in France. They start on a Monday and end on Sunday. The 2nd full week in March, the weather starts to get a bit better, and the conference schedule really begins to heat up. There are also more road games as the home and away non-conference matchups start balancing, and the conference schedules get the team on the planes to head to other locations. </p>
<p id="aF2XaB">It was a split week for the Hokies as they wrapped up their long homestand (<em>10 games with a game at Radford which is pretty much home, anyway</em>) with a game against the Marist College Red Foxes. Marist is from New York State’s Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie) and happens to be Coach John Szefc’s first baseball head coaching job. It was the first time that these two teams had met. With Szefc’s experience and contacts in that neck of the woods, he’s been getting really quality matchups together with teams from his old stomping grounds. He’s also been recruiting players from those areas, too, so the exposure is good for Tech.</p>
<p id="4uGTcb">Well Marist came to Atlantic Union Bank Park on an absolutely stunning, near mid-Spring like Tuesday in Blacksburg. And they encountered something that more teams are becoming acutely aware of the Virginia Tech Hokies are dangerous at the plate and getting better with every game from the bump. </p>
<p id="8qVP9h">I really don’t think that the Red Foxes intended to walk into an offensive haymaker. But they did. The Hokies started off fast, and just stood on the gas.</p>
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<p id="EGVQf7">It was not only a scoring fest for the Hammerin’ Hokies, but it also was an opportunity to get bench players critical playing time. It was a pitch by committee game, and the Hokies got the full measure of each pitcher’s effort. The win was assigned to reliever Clement Madden, but that’s just a baseball stat’s nicety for him. The Hokies started off Jordan Vera for 2 scoreless innings, then went to Madden who gave up a run and also pitched the greatest number of outs with 8. He was followed by Preston Cowl, Ryan Buckler, and JT Gibson to close the door. By the time Cowl, Buckler, and Gibson were on the bump, the coaching staff could allow them to work out issues and absorb a run here or there because of the Hokie offense.</p>
<p id="EKn55h">The sticks were making contact, and the Hokies were routinely rounding the bags. Eventually Coach Szefc would sub in for everyone in the lineup, and we’re just going to give you a scoring summary on this one. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ' <br><br>» ( - )<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/RqXXrPpeUJ">pic.twitter.com/RqXXrPpeUJ</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1767693779568382313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
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<p id="o8UukN">The win over Marist was expected, though baseball is what it is so it’s never guaranteed, but the road trip to Louisville to face the Cardinals was definitely not on the “easy opponent list”. </p>
<h3 id="T0ZKYP"><strong>All Streaks Eventually Come to an End</strong></h3>
<p id="EWE3Ib">To date, Brett Renfrow has been pretty unhittable, or at least the hits that have happened have been of low consequence. Renfrow had a 4-0 record coming into the Friday evening encounter with the Cardinals for the series’ first game. Who knows? Maybe the water or the hotel food... Whatever else happened, we know that “baseball” happened to young Mr. Renfrow for that game. The normally nearly unhittable kid from Prince William County, ended up tagged for 6 hits and 2 earned runs with an uncredited 3rd run coming across the plate due to an error. That all said maybe the Hokies were just a bit out of sync for this one. </p>
<p id="Oa1xwf">It seems that Louisville’s star starting pitcher, Sebastian Gongora, was the unhittable one on Friday the 15th. (<em>We won’t talk about the Ides of March drama, here.</em>) Brett’s going to face getting back on the mound for Friday’s contest and what he’s got going on, then will tell lots about how he’s going to handle adversity as the season gets longer and the weather hotter. </p>
<p id="dM7ip9">The truth is that the Hokies were having misfire problems on both the mound and at the plate for the first two thirds of the game. If I had told you that the Hammerin’ Hokies would have only scattered some hits around for the first 6 innings and scored only one run on a solo shot, you might not have believed me. Even when the bull pen came out and got things settled down a bit, Louisville still managed to push 3 critical runs through in the bottom of the 8th inning that pushed the score out to 9. The furious rally comeback by the Hokies amounted to 2 runs in the 7th, and then another 3 in the top of the 9th, but Louisville, with that critical three run cushion, managed to get the door slammed on the Hokies before they made Yogi Berra a prophet, again. </p>
<p id="2akbgN">The big thing to take out of this loss was how the Hokies were beginning to respond, make contact, and get runs to cross the plate, late, making Louisville scramble for the win. There was something else going on, though. You could see that the Hokies were already shaking off the adversity before the game closed, and Louisville was going to have problems on Saturday. Even with the loss, Chris Cannizzaro and Eddie Micheletti both managed to clobber the ball hard enough to put it over the wall. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/5aFsY72MFG">pic.twitter.com/5aFsY72MFG</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1768811239340154994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="ieCm1M"><strong>Saturday was a Different Story and Outcome</strong></h3>
<p id="zhQGCi">The first thing to notice is that the Hokies have been experimenting with who is playing first base, after the loss for the season of starter Garrett Michel to a broken wrist. Friday, we saw Sam Tackett at 1st, and Saturday Catcher Gehrig Ebel put on the other mitt and held down the fort at base #1. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/YVyCxJxjho">pic.twitter.com/YVyCxJxjho</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1769042191148556603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="iNWA78">If you didn’t notice, the folks at Hokie Sport reminded everyone that this lineup featured all three Hokie Catchers; David McCann at DH, Henry Cooke behind the dish, and then Ebel at 1st. You have to wonder if that’s some sort of milestone event, but baseball is so full of those odd ball stats that it’s not worth really spending the time to research. Someone noticed, so that’s enough.</p>
<p id="aPHtOE">Game 2 of the series meant something big to both the Hokies and the Cardinals. If Louisville won, that would be an ACC series in the bag and the Hokies would be sore from the loss of their first series of the season and needing a win to salvage a split to stop any threats of a skid. </p>
<p id="15Sy0P">That certainly didn’t happen for Virginia Tech on the 16th, that’s for sure. Remember that momentum thing that we spotted happening in the final 3 innings of Game 1? Well, it definitely accelerated as Louisville took to the mound, and the Hokies took to the plate in the opening frame. Christian Martin clocked the third pitch of the opening at-bat into deep right-center and zipped into second for a leadoff double. That’s pure trouble to start off any game, but next Carson DeMartini dragged the hammer to the plate and took a 2-1 pitch over the wall near where Martin doubled. Cannizzaro would follow with a single, but Louisville managed to get the next three outs without Chris moving off first for more than a lead. </p>
<p id="pyzioq">Really, though that was enough emotional juice to pump into the Hokie defense because starter, Wyatt Parliament hung a goose-egg on the scoreboard only giving up an inconsequential single for his start. The game hit a 2-inning stasis as no one did much of much for either team until the top of the 4th. Henry Cooke singled to start the inning. Baseball gold is that critical leadoff runner. It looked like after a ground-out/fly-out situation that maybe Cooke would be stranded on the bags. But Cooke did get to 2nd on the grounder, and then Christian Martin sent him home with a deep single. Well, Carson DeMartini, who seems to have inherited Thor’s hammer, came to the plate and took the first pitch over the right field wall for a 2-run shot. The inning ended on an empty base Cannizzaro fly out, but it was and remains a warning to teams that the Hokies don’t give up when they have two outs, they just hit better. </p>
<p id="C0GNRr">Wyatt Parliament didn’t have a sparkling 4th this time. He gave up a leadoff homer. They happen in baseball. The pitcher throws a cement mixer, and a good batter connects with it. Parliament must have had an issue with the name Klein because he gave up another homer to largely the same location making the score 5-2. Those two dingers were followed by a double, which brought Coach Szefc out of the dugout. Brady Kirtner was brought in to try to limit the damage, but the bases ended up loaded after an intentional walk issued to a dangerous batter. The single that resulted scored 2 more, and it was looking like Louisville was about to turn this around. Kirtner finally induced a ground ball to Clay Grady at short, but the 5-4 lead was too small with too much ball left to be played.</p>
<p id="mFfcsY">The 5th inning was a major turning point. Would the Hokies get their offense going again or would Louisville finally take advantage of Tech’s bullpen and work a series win out of the game? The first note of a bit of nervousness on the part of the Cards was that they changed pitchers to start the inning. That ended up not working out so well. He walked Eddie Micheletti to lead off the inning, and that rule will always stick. You pay for lead-off freebies. Gehrig Ebel struck out, but Ben Watson singled. Then Henry Cooke singled, which scored Micheletti. David McCan singled and drove in Watson. Clay Grady fouled out, but Christian Martin singled and scored Henry Cooke. David McCann scored on a throwing error miscue mess and the score jumped out to a much more comfortable 9 to 4. </p>
<p id="2C6R0n">Kirtner would give up a run on two doubles but managed to close the door on the 5th with no further pain inflicted on the Hokies. Tech managed to score 3 more in the 6th with a homer by Micheletti, and then the crew worked two more across the plate before the Louisville pitching finally pulled off the three outs necessary to close the top of the inning. Kirtner gave up an inconsequential single but hung up a Zero on the scoreboard for the Cards.</p>
<p id="xwIwZM">The Hokies would go the rest of the game without scoring. Kirtner gave up a solo homer in the bottom of the 7th, but otherwise pitched a solid 5 inning effort. He was pulled for Jacob Stretch in the bottom of the 9th and actually got credit for the win. </p>
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<p id="09qK4R">The win knotted up the series at 1-1 and made Sunday all about either heading back to Blacksburg for Tuesday’s game with a series win, or Louisville putting Tech on notice. But the second game should really have put them on notice. Tech’s pitching is much better than last season’s, and its offense is scary.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ⚽️<br><br>» 11 - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/XamTh0Itnt">pic.twitter.com/XamTh0Itnt</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1769094810831311242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="j7Q2xT"><strong>The Rubber Game Long Run</strong></h3>
<p id="8gm5Gk">Sunday seemed to be another perfect day for a ball game. Louisville was off to a 13-win 6-loss start. That was a shade under Tech’s but not much, and the Cardinals were looking to win this series to build some positive momentum as the weather warmed. Their ballpark had a 2500 plus attendance figure, so this was a big game for them. </p>
<p id="TeeLzw">It was also a big game for Tech for several reasons. A series win would get the Hokies to a 5-1 ACC start that included the sweep of Notre Dame. That’s going to attract attention by itself, but a series win on the road in Louisville would go a long way to waking up the analytical world. Something else was brewing, though. Sunday Starter Griffin Stieg has been steadily heating up, and a win would give him a solid early season record, and the team one less pitch-by-committee game in the schedule.</p>
<p id="F3peNi">Griffin did not disappoint in this one, either. Louisville just could not connect with his stuff unless it was to hit it to someone in the field for the Hokies. Nothing got through until a relatively inconsequential single broke the string. Stieg did have a baserunner in the first on a hit batsman but that fizzled. The Cardinals didn’t score until the 6th inning and that was on an unfortunate solo homer on the second pitch of the second at-bat of the inning. Stieg lasted on the mound until the bottom of the 8th. Even with 2 outs up, Coach Szefc saved his ERA by pulling him for reliever Jeremy Neff to get the final out of the 8th. If he had been home, he’d have gotten a standing ovation from the crowd. Stieg went 109 pitches. He gave up 5 hits, only one of which was for a run, and fanned 6. It was a career performance. Neff’s relief effort was smooth enough with a desperate Louisville only getting a single hit, and never getting off of that one run from the bottom of the 6th. </p>
<p id="IMKxrw">The Hokie offense was the perfect complement for Griffin Stieg’s pitching. Not only did they keep up constant pressure, but the big hammers also came out. The biggest hammer of the day was Carson DeMartini’s. He went yard twice on Saturday and brought that stroke back to Sunday’s match-up because he blasted the ball out of the park three!!! times in Game 3. That’s five home runs in 2 games! What’s even more intimidating is that his three homers were done back-to-back, and it makes you wonder why he just wasn’t intentionally walked after the first two shots for the remainder. He would go 3 for 4 on the day with a walk, and 4 runs scored. If Stieg had a banner day on the bump, DeMartini matched him at the plate.</p>
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<p id="ewiWfV">Not to be left in the lurch though, Eddie Micheletti also notched a tater, along with First Baseman Gehrig Ebel. It’s still odd calling him at first, but he’s getting it done at the 3 position and his stick is hot to go with it. Just a reminder, Micheletti also went downtown in Friday’s and Saturday’s games. It won’t be long before the rest of the ACC is going to be a little fearful of this particular lineup. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> , <a href="https://twitter.com/d1baseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@d1baseball</a> <br><br>» , <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> ⚾️ <a href="https://t.co/OAascqP1MM">pic.twitter.com/OAascqP1MM</a></p>— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesBaseball/status/1769436169878589854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="ImudYV">It’s still very early in the season and baseball is a marathon, but it’s a 5-1 start for the Hokies and most of those W’s being impressive offensive efforts. We won’t mention that this is baseball, and that means baseball happens and nothing is free or guaranteed.</p>
<p id="Ygf9R3">The Hokies play Tuesday afternoon against East Tennessee State, at home on English Field. Then they are off to Boston to play the Eagles in another tough ACC road matchup. </p>
<h2 id="ugadxc"><em><strong>GO HOKIES!!!!</strong></em></h2>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/18/24104340/virginia-tech-hokie-baseball-wins-marist-on-tuesday-and-the-louisville-road-series-2-games-to-1-accJohn Schneider2024-03-17T22:35:02-04:002024-03-17T22:35:02-04:00Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies to play in NIT and host Richmond
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<p>Several top programs declined NIT invites. The Hokies will play. </p> <p id="B5epnx">Selection Sunday is over, and the Virginia Tech Hokies know their destination. Virginia Tech missed the Field of 68, but that was no surprise. The Hokies entered Sunday knowing they weren't even on the bubble despite winning 18 games and going 10-10 in the ACC. While Tech had some good wins, it had some difficult losses, too. </p>
<p id="r0xzkl">Instead, the Hokies will remain in Blacksburg this week and host the Richmond Spiders in the first round of the NIT. </p>
<p id="mFppC6">The Spiders (23-9, 15-3) looked poised for an NCAA Tournament all season, finishing in a first-place tie with Loyola-Chicago in the Atlantic-10. However, two consecutive losses to end the season, including a loss to Saint Joseph’s in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic-10 Tournament, doomed the Spiders. The Duquesne Dukes surprised everyone, defeating VCU in the finals to win the conference tournament and earn the automatic berth. </p>
<p id="1b4URj">The game is scheduled for Tuesday at Cassell Coliseum, with the time and TV likely announced on Monday. It’s the first time the Hokies have hosted an NIT game in the first round since 2016. Virginia Tech has won the postseason NIT on two occasions, last doing it in 1995.</p>
<p id="MpS1jp">The Spiders are a good team led by longtime coach Chris Mooney, who has been at Richmond since 2005. Senior guard Jordan King leads the way for the Spiders, averaging over 18 points per game. Richmond has two formidable frontcourt players in 7-foot senior center Neal Quinn (12.7 PPG) and 6-foot-7 forward Isaiah Bigelow (11.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG).</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back in Cassell taking on the A-10 regular-season champs <br><br> NIT First Round<br> Richmond <a href="https://t.co/8pJU9TAjXz">pic.twitter.com/8pJU9TAjXz</a></p>— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesMBB/status/1769540613857214842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="IuBRqH">The Hokies are paced by junior point guard Sean Pedulla (16.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG) and senior guard Hunter Cattoor (13.5 PPG). Senior center Lynn Kidd is Tech’s third-leading scorer (12.9) and leading rebounder (6.5 RPG). </p>
<p id="pPduOB">This will be the 109th meeting all-time between the two Commonwealth schools, with the Hokies holding a 69-39 advantage. Richmond and VT haven’t met since 2009, with the Hokies coming out on top, 62-48. </p>
<p id="gMOY0j">Several programs, such as Memphis, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Pitt, and St. Johns, all declined NIT invitations. </p>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/17/24104481/virginia-tech-basketball-hokies-to-play-in-nit-and-host-richmond-spiders-atlantic-10-accBryan D. Manning2024-03-17T21:05:21-04:002024-03-17T21:05:21-04:00Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Gets a #4 Seed and will Host the First Two Rounds of the 2024 Women’s Dance
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<figcaption>Probably one of the most exciting games in the Cassell. Tech defeats arch nemesis NC State. | John Schneider - SB Nation</figcaption>
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<p>The big worry coming into Selection Sunday was that the Hokies, based on the two losses at the end of the season, and the 2nd round loss to Notre Dame would be pushed out of the top tier seed structure for the Ladies’ Dance. Well, the Hokies have nabbed a #4 seed, and we are on. GO HOKIES!!!</p> <h3 id="g3Y8se"><strong>We were Disappointed.</strong></h3>
<p id="HeZhTl">There was some disappointing news at 3:15 on Friday afternoon, that’s for sure. No, it wasn’t about Liz Kitley. We will see what official word comes out as things proceed. The press conference with Coach Brooks, after the Selection Sunday presentation show, will be interesting, but the first and most obvious question will be about Liz Kitley’s knee. There isn’t a guarantee that he will say much of much to anyone on the topic. </p>
<p id="S5P541">The cancellation of the Selection Sunday Watch Party was a real disappointment to those of us who regularly cover the Lady Hokies. Getting to see them and photograph the event live is a highlight that we really enjoy. But we all have to live with our disappointments and savor the good news when it comes. That news was critical, too.</p>
<h3 id="OYmMFm"><strong>Now, Not So Much.</strong></h3>
<p id="YtW45k">Most importantly, though is that the Hokies earned a #4 Seed in the Portland, Oregon Region and that means that Virginia Tech/Blacksburg gets to host the first two rounds of that bracket, again this year.</p>
<div id="veuoXF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s dance Hokie Nation ‼️<br><br>See you at <a href="https://t.co/VgUcnqDXMU">pic.twitter.com/VgUcnqDXMU</a></p>— Virginia Tech Women's Basketball (@HokiesWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesWBB/status/1769519995917070660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="4XfoOf">There is no understating this good fortune, not just for the four seed, but also because the Hokies will be playing the first critical game, and hopefully second game, at home in Cassell Coliseum with what will be another sellout situation. </p>
<div id="d08JNN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Energy going into the post-season <br><br>No. 4 seed <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HokiesWBB</a> is set to host the first and second rounds of the 2024 Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament! <br><br>MORE DETAILS: <a href="https://t.co/zKXRlFmAfG">https://t.co/zKXRlFmAfG</a> <a href="https://t.co/N7wzdIS2PY">pic.twitter.com/N7wzdIS2PY</a></p>— HokieSports (@hokiesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/hokiesports/status/1769521546169618534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="6e1mGV">The Hokies will get a chance to build some much-needed momentum and energy before getting on the long flight to the northwest coast. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but at least the Queens will be playing in their Cassell for their opening bid on a run at the title for the 2023-2024 season.</p>
<p id="77uVO2">Looks like we’ll have to get busy signing up for credentials and figuring out schedules to cover the first two games. It’s going to be exciting. <strong>The Lady Hokies will face Marshall in the opening game listed on either March 22nd or 23rd.</strong></p>
<h3 id="FH062Q"><strong>Coverage to continue with news as It breaks on this one.</strong></h3>
<h2 id="3mZV63"><em><strong>GO HOKIES!!!</strong></em></h2>
<p id="iAOT6I"></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/17/24104420/virginia-tech-womens-basketball-gets-a-4-seed-and-will-host-first-two-rounds-of-the-ncaa-tournamentJohn Schneider2024-03-16T06:00:00-04:002024-03-16T06:00:00-04:00Virginia Tech football spring practice preview: Offense
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Virginia Tech at Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YTzP2RbSp6S8eVo7mZ3_AnIz014=/0x0:4452x2968/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211241/usa_today_21946810.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Virginia Tech’s offense could be special in 2024. </p> <p id="pe8xkt">The warm weather in early March has given everyone a case of spring fever. That holds especially true for football fans as spring football is back. The Virginia Tech Hokies kicked off spring practice Friday, and the optimism around Blacksburg is high for the 2024 team. </p>
<p id="rENxnK">Head coach Brent Pry spoke earlier in the week about the 2024 squad, expectations and quarterback Kyron Drones’ improvement throughout the offseason. </p>
<p id="CliA1v">Let’s jump in with a look at the offense.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VN2djo">
<h2 id="yRMbrH">Quarterback</h2>
<ul>
<li id="MHxPfF">1 Kyron Drones: 6-foot-2, 234, R-Jr.</li>
<li id="rrBkN6">18 William “Pop” Watson: 5-foot-11, 190, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="LnMdvg">17 Dylan Wittke: 6-foot-1, 201, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="rioICs">15 Jackson Sigler: 6-foot-0, 193, R-Fr.</li>
<li id="GQFZrh">19 Ben Locklear: 6-foot-5, 251, R-Jr. </li>
</ul>
<p id="ugHgv7">Looking at Virginia Tech’s spring depth chart, a notable name was missing: Grant Wells. That’s not a surprise. It’s been the expectation since the end of the season that Wells would move on and redshirt freshman William “Pop” Watson would back up Drones. Speaking of Watson and Tech’s QBs, it’s a young group. Joining Watson behind Drones is Dylan Wittke, Jackson Sigler and Ben Locklear. Only Watson has game experience and that consists of two brief appearances and one passing attempt. </p>
<p id="sEuaI9">What are the Hokies looking for from the quarterback position this spring? More growth from Drones, who could be a leading contender for ACC Player of the Year. Mainly, Pry just wants to see Drones get through the next month healthy. </p>
<p id="ajgoVa">This spring is an audition for Watson to outright win the backup job. He impressed once he arrived last year and despite his size, has a high upside as a passer. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="XckhVY">
<h2 id="6LPJbD">Running back</h2>
<ul>
<li id="0tdJL6">33 Bhayshul Tuten: 5-foot-11, 209, Sr.</li>
<li id="ImArzK">24 Malachi Thomas: 6-foot-0, 215, R-Jr.</li>
<li id="LZ0aht">21 Jeremiah Coney: 6-foot-0, 200, R-Fr.</li>
<li id="38DAH0">16 Tralon Mitchell: 6-foot-0, 209, R-Fr.</li>
<li id="8xzxUY">19 P.J. Prioleau: 5-foot-11, 180, R-Jr. </li>
<li id="Te80lf">23 Tyler Mason: 6-foot-0, 194, Fr. </li>
</ul>
<p id="lVYhr2">This is the Tuten and Thomas show. The Hokies received outstanding news when Tuten returned for another year. Tuten rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but imagine what he could’ve done if the Hokies could block in the first few games? When Drones entered as the quarterback, Tech’s ground game went from subpar to lethal at times. Tuten has the speed to take it to the house, as evidenced by his work as a returner, but he also runs with power and has outstanding vision. </p>
<p id="UxbXri">Thomas is back after serving as Tuten’s backup last season. He will receive plenty of carries in 2024, but the Hokies know what they have in Tuten. </p>
<p id="FKfR3S">The names to watch here are Coney, Mason and Mitchell. Mitchell could end up playing another position, and Mason has already opened some eyes since enrolling this semester. Coney was impressive last year and will play in 2024. This spring is about finding that third back. Tuten will serve as Virginia Tech’s third-down back, as he’s also a second receiver. </p>
<p id="jQSpdy">Keep an eye on Mason. He looked like a certain redshirt when he signed and could push for a role with a strong spring.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JNfsAF">
<h2 id="vrxMr1">Wide receiver</h2>
<ul>
<li id="dZfSKd">0 Ali Jennings: 6-foot-2, 207, Gr. </li>
<li id="XlAUs9">2 Takye Heath: 5-foot-10, 165, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="Svt7lo">4 Chance Fitzgerald: 6-foot-2, 191, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="Eogese">5 Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw: 6-foot-0, 160, R-So. </li>
<li id="7xVO2G">6 Keylen “Brodie” Adams: 6-foot-2, 180, Fr. </li>
<li id="HLShI5">7 Chanz Wiggins: 6-foot-3, 207, Fr. </li>
<li id="ow2bD5">9 Da’Quan Felton: 6-foot-5, 213, Gr. </li>
<li id="SKZaVQ">11 Tucker Holloway: 6-foot-2, 185, Jr. </li>
<li id="McSHMw">12 Stephen Gosnell: 6-foot-2, 198, Gr. </li>
<li id="g0AsCP">26 Ayden Greene: 6-foot-2, 185, So. </li>
<li id="kjfKOx">81 Jordan Tapscott: 6-foot-0, 188, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="SEui43">83 Jaylin Lane: 5-foot-10, 192, Jr. </li>
</ul>
<p id="9M9wII">Find a better group in the ACC. You can’t. The returns of Jennings, Lane, Gosnell, and Felton were massive for 2024. Jennings caught two touchdowns in the opener last season and then was lost for the season. Felton and Lane were dominant at times, and no one believed Pry could keep all three in 2024. Gosnell was one of Drones’ favorite targets last season. Pry’s most outstanding work this offseason was retaining so many key starters. </p>
<p id="y7cgOT">The Hokies are better able to withstand an injury this year. Turner-Bradshaw and Heath will look to impress behind Lane. Both are electric. Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen should find ways to involve them. Adams and Wiggins enrolled in January and look like future stars. It will be interesting to see how much work they get this spring. Keep an eye on Holloway and Greene. Holloway is a phenomenal returner who deserves more chances in the passing game. Greene took advantage of his minutes last season as a true freshman. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="n2iwhE">
<h2 id="8SGVGU">Tight end</h2>
<ul>
<li id="GFHUgk">40 Cole Pickett: 6-foot-3, 232, R-Jr. </li>
<li id="hN3cXv">82 Benji Gosnell: 6-foot-5, 240, R-So. </li>
<li id="r3aT9G">85 Ja’Ricous Hairston: 6-foot-2, 244, R-Fr.</li>
<li id="pN9nvt">86 Nick Gallo: 6-foot-4, 240, Gr. </li>
<li id="1tv9QL">87 Harrison Saint Germain: 6-foot-4, 241, R-So.</li>
<li id="avY26k">88 Zeke Wimbush: 6-foot-2, 240, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="UID3yy">99 Cole Reemsnyder: 6-foot-6, 213, R-So.</li>
</ul>
<p id="yCCVq0">The top two tight ends opened spring practice not doing full work. Nick Gallo, recovering from a knee injury that cost him all of last season, wasn’t a full participant. Benji Gosnell didn’t participate. It doesn’t appear anything is serious for those two. This leads us to our next point: There is a major opportunity for Saint Germain, Wimbush, and Hairston to show coaches what they have this spring. Saint Germain flashed in the bowl game. Wimbush will be an excellent player when all is said and done. The Hokies need depth here and the spring is the time to find it. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="c8gEsp">
<h2 id="buVAiE">Offensive line</h2>
<ul>
<li id="sMOIsH">50 Gunner Givens: 6-foot-5, 285, R-So.</li>
<li id="25OBtu">51 Elijah Haughawout: 6-foot-4, 303, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="96IoWQ">52 Tyler Smedley: 6-foot-2, 304, R-Jr. </li>
<li id="2ZwxZI">54 Grant Karczewski: 6-foot-7, 283, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="ggEize">55 Lemar Law Jr: 6-foot-5, 335, R-So.</li>
<li id="QmOzhS">56 Layth Ghannam: 6-foot-5, 302, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="o65Y3I">59 Gabriel Arena: 6-foot-5, 280, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="EjNM6v">60 Caleb Nitta: 6-foot-2, 289, R-Fr.</li>
<li id="BoLE09">61 Braelin Moore: 6-foot-3, 290, R-So. </li>
<li id="hMyw1o">63 Griffin Duggan: 6-foot-5, 295, R-Jr. </li>
<li id="z9HYU3">64 Lance Williams: 6-foot-3, 310, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="6x0h76">65 Xavier Chaplin: 6-foot-6, 323, R-So.</li>
<li id="MhYlpv">66 Montavious Cunningham: 6-foot-4, 310, R-Jr. </li>
<li id="tFo6UI">67 Hannes Hammer: 6-foot-7, 296, R-Fr. </li>
<li id="Ag3Gp2">68 Kaden Moore: 6-foot-3, 303, R-Sr. </li>
<li id="caBxl4">70 Parker Clements: 6-foot-7, 300, R-Sr. </li>
<li id="ZwZOtY">75 Bob Schick: 6-foot-6, 304, R-Sr. </li>
<li id="ZWlKoF">77 Brody Meadows, 6-foot-6, 327, R-So.</li>
<li id="WVB5ga">79 Johnny Garrett: 6-foot-5, 315: R-So.</li>
</ul>
<p id="gqgE89">We can pencil the Moore brothers, Chaplin, and Clements, in the starting lineup. Can Cunningham win a starting spot? He will have every opportunity to do so this spring. Next, it’s all about growth from some of the younger linemen entering their second and third seasons in the program, like Meadows, Ghannam, Garrett, and Williams. When it’s time for the spring game next month, I will be most interested in watching the offensive line. The Hokies have a chance to be a phenomenal offense this fall but they need consistency from the offensive line. </p>
<p id="8F8fDt"></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/16/24101443/virginia-tech-football-spring-practice-preview-offense-kyron-drones-bhayshul-tutenBryan D. Manning2024-03-15T23:57:25-04:002024-03-15T23:57:25-04:00Virginia Tech football: News and notes from spring practice
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<img alt="Pittsburgh v Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5F1-H310ZsID2qsudfEhbhXYZV4=/0x0:2286x1524/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211076/1699648316.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Friday was the start of spring practice for the Hokies. </p> <p id="95HiSC">It was a good day in Blacksburg as the Virginia Tech Hokies opened the first of 15 spring practices. While there were no pads on Friday, as players wore shorts and helmets, it was the first official practice for several players who enrolled in January. </p>
<p id="bDrVXB">After practice, safeties coach Pierson Prioleau spoke to the media. </p>
<p id="qHLgUQ">“Long way to go, but that’s the exciting thing about spring. We get to come out here and, day by day, take it one rep at a time,” <a href="https://hokiesports.com/news/2024/3/15/virginia-tech-football-officially-starts-phase-two.aspx">Prioleau said via Hokie Sports</a>. “We get to assess our players and evaluate our players as we get prepared.”</p>
<p id="hRNG7o">Others spoke, too, including senior safety Jalen Stroman, who was limited due to offseason shoulder surgery. Don’t be surprised if Stroman doesn’t participate this spring, as there is no reason to push his return. Other Hokies, such as Mose Phillips, have an opportunity to impress this spring. The Hokies need safety depth in the fall and there has been a lot of buzz around Phillips since he arrived last year. </p>
<p id="qio3Av">Here are some news and notes from Friday’s practice. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YStORu">
<h2 id="Bc12cl">Gunner Givens is finally moving to the offensive line</h2>
<p id="RezMWK">Givens was once a prized recruit for the Hokies as an offensive lineman. However, he wanted to play on the defensive line. So, for the past two years, Givens has worked at defensive tackle. Now, the redshirt sophomore will move to the offensive line. At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Givens figures to play guard. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="W1oL9O">
<h2 id="TZZlYc">Other injuries</h2>
<ul>
<li id="ypxX4M">Stroman’s absence isn’t a surprise due to offseason surgery. </li>
<li id="Ltn962">Brent Pry announced earlier in the week that linebacker Keli Lawson was out this spring after undergoing surgery. </li>
<li id="Ynv7R8">Tight end Benji Gosnell did not participate due to a knee injury. </li>
<li id="YEvgYN">Tight end Nick Gallo was a limited participant. Gallo missed last season with a knee injury. </li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8kv1PP">
<h2 id="RZisFu">Numbers</h2>
<p id="XdLEFi">There are numbers changes and the numbers of some of Tech’s newcomers who enrolled in January. </p>
<ul>
<li id="50MhJf">LB Keli Lawson goes from No. 21 to No. 0</li>
<li id="eSIpzW">OL Gunner Givens goes from No. 32 to No. 50</li>
<li id="xu07bo">3 — LB Sam Brumfield</li>
<li id="v5yxtD">5 — CB Joshua Clarke</li>
<li id="Frsh5L">6 — WR Keylen “Brodie” Adams</li>
<li id="1xZxQ6">12 — LB Gabriel Williams</li>
<li id="IptTE3">13 — DL Kemari Copeland</li>
<li id="cPS2dx">16 — DL Aeneas Peebles</li>
<li id="swuuDq">21 — DB Quentin Reddish</li>
<li id="Z8kEWY">22 — DT Kelvin Gilliam Jr. </li>
<li id="x5r0uH">23 — RB Tyler Mason</li>
<li id="X4oMJ3">32 — DL Deric Dandy</li>
<li id="s8DiW0">55 — DE Gerard Johnson</li>
<li id="aYaRVr">66 — OL Montavious Cunningham</li>
<li id="dVzo8r">90 — DT Andrew Hanchuk</li>
<li id="GX1B82">
</li>
</ul>
<p id="bCAwNz"></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/15/24102591/virginia-tech-football-news-and-notes-from-spring-practice-brent-pry-jalen-stromanBryan D. Manning2024-03-13T20:52:10-04:002024-03-13T20:52:10-04:002024 ACC Tournament: Virginia Tech falls to Florida State in 2nd round
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Second Round-Virginia Tech vs Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VC8as7fxYVxWWM6z8TOk0eG1J2U=/1x0:2437x1624/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73205629/usa_today_22764705.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Now the Hokies wait for their next step, a likely NIT invitation. </p> <p id="WNgZyj">For about 20 minutes on Wednesday, the Virginia Tech Hokies looked like they were on their way to an all-important quarterfinal game against top-seeded North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. Unfortunately, poor shooting and turnovers plagued Tech on Wednesday, and the Hokies were eliminated by Florida State, 86-76, in the second round of the ACC Tournament. </p>
<p id="DmAATi">Now, the Hokies must wait — for a likely NIT bid. A win over FSU wouldn’t have gotten Tech in the NCAA Tournament. A win over FSU and North Carolina would’ve dramatically helped the Hokies, but the NCAA Tournament was still no guarantee. Wednesday’s loss means the Hokies (18-14, 10-10) are NIT-bound again. </p>
<p id="J6rVTI">Wednesday’s loss was much the same for Tech: one strong half, followed by one poor half. FSU’s length at every position bothered VT’s offense. The Hokies were outrebounded, shot poorly from beyond the arc, and turned the ball over 13 times, leading to 25 FSU points. </p>
<p id="FFXSky">Three players carried Virginia Tech’s offense: Junior guard Sean Pedulla (24 points) and sophomores Tyler Nickel (18) and MJ Collins (15). Senior guard Hunter Cattoor managed only eight points and made just one shot from the field. Senior center Lynn Kidd also scored just eight points, as Tech had no inside presence against the lengthy ‘Noles. </p>
<div id="hUZFz2">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JAMIR TURNED IT ON <br><br>1,000 career points ✔️<br>Career-high 34 points ✔️<br>Double-Double ✔️<a href="https://twitter.com/FSUHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FSUHoops</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AccomplishGreatness?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AccomplishGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/qthXr4YeFq">pic.twitter.com/qthXr4YeFq</a></p>— ACC Men's Basketball (@accmbb) <a href="https://twitter.com/accmbb/status/1767990467143127512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="zqKa8z">Virginia Tech shot 64% from the field in the first half and went into halftime with a 37-36 lead. However, that percentage fell to 36% in the second half, and the Hokies shot 49% for the game. VT made just six of 24 from 3-point range. Tech’s defense had no answer for Florida State junior forward Jamir Watkins, who finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals. </p>
<p id="6nh6fx">Wednesday’s loss to the Seminoles was almost like a microcosm of the entire season. A limited team that battled hard but didn’t have enough to get to the finish line. </p>
<p id="TVWpVR">Can the Hokies make an NIT run? We shall see. </p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/13/24100209/2024-acc-tournament-virginia-tech-falls-florida-state-in-2nd-round-hokies-seminoles-washingtonBryan D. Manning2024-03-12T23:00:57-04:002024-03-12T23:00:57-04:00Virginia Tech basketball: Junior guard Sean Pedulla named 3rd-team All-ACC
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Wake Forest at Virginia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/D9_Vj1ebtkT4ksp20ftcz2Puocs=/0x2:4121x2749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73202904/usa_today_22676839.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some well-earned recognition for Sean Pedulla.</p> <p id="gzmLWS">It’s been an up-and-down season for the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team. There was some optimism before the season began, but just two weeks before the first game, it was revealed that sophomore guard Rodney Rice was leaving the team. </p>
<p id="HCEjD6">That was a tough blow for the Hokies. </p>
<p id="4rdcht">Yet, Virginia Tech played some good basketball at times, but back-to-back blowout losses against FAU and Auburn in late November exposed the 2023-24 Hokies’ weaknesses. The Hokies struggled on the defensive end at times, and if they weren’t shooting well from beyond the arc, they couldn’t produce consistent offense. </p>
<p id="L08U2f">There were success stories this season. Senior guard Hunter Cattoor had a strong final season in Blacksburg, breaking the school’s all-time 3-pointer record. Senior big man Lynn Kidd had a breakout season, averaging 13.1 PPG and 6.6 RPG. But it was junior guard Sean Pedulla who was Virginia Tech’s top player. </p>
<p id="nSYihB">Pedulla averaged 16.1 points per game this season, led the team in assists, and finished second in rebounds. He sometimes carried Virginia Tech’s offense. On Monday, he was honored for his outstanding work. </p>
<p id="dImtHF">The ACC named Pedulla to the third-team All-ACC squad, making him the only Hokie to earn all-conference honors. </p>
<div id="tlrWST">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Postseason love for our PG <br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/YEj4twCobB">https://t.co/YEj4twCobB</a> <a href="https://t.co/F9o2lkqinB">pic.twitter.com/F9o2lkqinB</a></p>— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesMBB/status/1767280493681082432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="pzV0gO">Pedulla had some big performances this season, scoring over 20 points five times and over 30 points twice. When Pedulla struggled from beyond the arc, he found other ways to score. </p>
<p id="YgYWp7">Congratulations to the Oklahoma native on a terrific season. </p>
<p id="HwWjaa">As for Kidd, he led the ACC in field-goal percentage and finished third in the most improved player voting. </p>
<p id="Z4jMCa">The Hokies open the ACC Tournament as the No. 8 seed against Florida State on Wednesday. </p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2024/3/12/24099199/virginia-tech-basketball-junior-guard-sean-pedulla-third-team-all-acc-hokiesBryan D. Manning