Weekender: Familiar Foes

by Jac Coyne | MCLA.us

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Familiarity breeds contempt. February familiarity breeds…concern?

It’s tough to gauge just what the stakes are for this ALC cross-divisional clash between Virginia Tech and Liberty on Saturday. It’s obviously a matchup of two Top 10-type teams that, potentially, could be seeing each other in the ALC finals.

On one hand, it’s just a regular season game that provides a measuring stick.

“I don't see any drawbacks to having a top-five opponent on your schedule early in the season,” said Virginia Tech coach Panchito Ojeda. “It’s a great way to see where you are at and identify some problems. These are great growth games, win or lose.”

On the other hand, this contest is the first of what could potentially be three meetings between the Hokies and Flames, so approaching the opener in a playoff manner has its merits.

“I know the right answer is to say this is just another game, and that Virginia Tech is just another opponent,” said Liberty coach Kyle McQuillan. “But I’d be lying if I said that was the case. Virginia Tech has become our biggest rival, and for all the right reasons.

“This game has always been a great test for our team, and this year, we get that challenge right out of the gate. The likelihood of facing Virginia Tech later in the ALC Playoffs and again at the national tournament is high, so it made sense to schedule this matchup early, knowing we’ll probably see them again.”

Both teams lost some high-profile players to graduation, but the cupboard is nowhere near being bare for either. Fifth-year middie Keaton Mohs, who posted a 94-point campaign last spring, leads the way offensively for Liberty, but the addition of former UMass faceoff man Caleb Hammet is cause for Hokies’ concern.

“He dusted us this fall, going 21-for-23 at the dot,” lamented Ojeda. “Defensively, they are led by Conor Guiltinan, but don't let Peyton Park or Benjamin Chun fool you; they can play.”

With the departure of Aidan Smith and Jared Cole, there are a lot of points that need to be made up. The callow nature of this version of the Hokies might be a challenge for Liberty.

“This is a very different Virginia Tech team from last season, and we probably know less about what to expect than in years past,” admitted McQuillan. “Offensively, Jake Blibaum will be a key factor in their success, and we need to be highly aware when he’s on the field. Defensively, Kyle Sudler is a name we know well — he’s been a staple of Virginia Tech lacrosse and will be a force to contend with.”

Regardless of the individual personnel, this rivalry is built on overarching philosophies and unrelenting respect. The coaches, players and fans on both sides of the competition very much want this victory for all of the usual reasons. Understanding that this is likely just an appetizer doesn’t lessen the importance.

“Liberty is routinely one of the most well-organized teams in the MCLA,” said Ojeda. “Their ten-man ride has been a hallmark for years. On top of that, they have always had strong goaltenders and a strong defense. This year they add a stud FOGO and great depth at offense. In my eyes, they are the team to beat in the MCLA.”

“The one thing I know for certain about Virginia Tech is that we’re in for a highly competitive, hard-fought game — no matter who they put on the field,” McQuillan said. “I have a ton of respect for what Coach Panchito has built, and their team has proven to be one of the most consistent in the MCLA over the past five years. That’s not going to change. Virginia Tech is well-coached and incredibly gritty, and that’s a dangerous combination.”

A cursory look at the two rosters would suggest that Liberty is likely the favorite in Saturday’s contest, which will take place on the Flames’ home field. Alas, rivalries can be funny, and there might be a lot more in stock for this rivalry in the coming months.

Games I’m Following

In addition to analyzing the important games of the weekend, I’ll be parenthetically setting my lines and totals for each individual contest. Gamble responsibly.

Boston College at South Carolina, 6 p.m. – Friday

The bitterness from a couple of years ago has probably worn off a bit, but the Gamecocks would still love to be as inhospitable as possible to the Eagles on their maiden voyage out of the freezer. Alas, Carolina didn’t look great against Florida (who, in the Cocks’ defense, could be really good), so they’ll need to tighten things up a bit. BC is pretty much an enigma at this point. (BC -1.5 / 19.5)

Indiana at Kentucky, 12 p.m. – Saturday

It’s good to have this rivalry back in the MCLA. Yes, I’m aware they scrimmaged pretty much every season, but now there’s something on the line – namely a non-conference victory. Kentucky hung around with Pitt to start the season, which means they’ll be in the mix with the Hoosiers. Indiana’s route to Round Rock goes through the UMLC, so this is a nice warm-up. (IU -3.5 \ 23)

Coastal Carolina at Wake Forest, 1 p.m. – Saturday

Wake Forest is currently in the midst of its annual cannonball run to get two-thirds of its schedule complete by the end of February, and the Chanticleers were willing to oblige this weekend. Both teams tote a 2-0 record into the contest, with the Deacons being the presumptive favorite. Don’t be surprised if Coastal pulls an upset. (WF -2.5 / 21)

California at UC Santa Barbara, 1 p.m. – Saturday

It was a mercurial season for the Bears last spring, as they proved they could post some majestic wins while tallying some dubious losses. What does ’25 have in stock? We’ll find out here. The Gauchos are coming off a stinging rebuke at the hands of SDSU, as the Aztecs showed little respect for UCSB’s ’24 semifinal run. Cal could be a sleeper this year. (Cal -2.5 / 19)

Florida at Georgia, 3 p.m. – Saturday

A couple of teams coming hot out of the gate tangle in Athens. Florida’s midfield is going to be a handful all season, which will put serious pressure on every team it faces. It’ll be dependent on Tucker Hoffmann – the owner of an MCLA D-II championship ring with Dayton – to keep this one close for the Dawgs. It’ll be a tough one. (UF -4 / 28.5)

Miami at Loyola Marymount, 2 p.m. – Saturday

First off, tip of the cap to the Hurricanes. There is nothing more impressive for an up-and-coming program than breaking out of its region in style. Miami will battle UCLA and Long Beach on the trip, as well. Do the Canes have the juice to knock off the Lions, who have postseason dreams of their own? This one will be tight. (LMU -1.5 / 26.5)

Simon Fraser at Oregon, 11 a.m. – Sunday

This MCLA dandy will be a nice teaser into Super Bowl LIX. This is the earliest this monster PNCLL rivalry tilt has been played since 2019 (Feb. 2) and it will set the race for the top seed in the conference for the rest of the season. BYU is mixed into this three-way and the scheduling definitely favors the host Ducks. Oregon will have a day off between the defending champs and the Red Leafs while Fraser will have to back-to-back with the Cougars and Ducks. Home field and a day of rest will be important. (UO -2.5 / 25.5)

Slides & Rides

- Brigham Young’s title defense got off to a smooth start as the Cougars rolled past Washington, 21-6, in Seattle. You’ll remember that BYU had one of its latest starts in program history last spring on its way to an undefeated national championship, but they are back to being early risers. The Cougs square off with Oregon and Simon Fraser in Eugene this weekend.

- For those wondering about polls, the board of directors voted to start the weekly polls on March 5 and, to be included in the poll, a program must have at least three games played (hence why the poll is starting later than usual).

- Remember to submit award candidates for PEARL Goalie of the Week and Warrior Player of the Week in each division. Deadline is noon on Monday. Head coaches, send nominations to info@mcla.us.