Hokies are set to host home opener against Duke

BLACKSBURG – The No. 12 ranked men's team and the No. 18 ranked women's team will host their home opener against ACC competitor, Duke. This Friday, October 22nd will be the Hokies' first in-conference competition of the season. This year, in the CSCAA preseason poll, the Blue Devils women's team was ranked No. 24.
 
"We are very excited to have Duke come and visit us," said Head Coach Sergio Lopez Miro. "It has been a great rivalry the last four years. Dan [Colella] does an excellent job with his team and I'm really looking to racing them, to have a good competition, and to see where we are with training. We have been stepping it up pretty hard with the training; The team has done a very good job with it, so I'm excited to see where we are, to race, and have a good meet."
 
MEET INFORMATION:
Date/Time: October 22, 2021 / 1 p.m.
Opponent: Duke
Location: Christiansburg, VA
 
The Hokies have 22 newcomers on the roster this year, ready to swim against an ACC opponent. Against George Washington, freshman Allison Henry and freshman Charlotte Rigg made their Hokie debut with standout performances in the breaststroke events. Henry went first in the 100 and 200 breast, with Rigg not far behind placing second. Newcomer Joseph Hong also has a knack for breaststroke, against the Colonials he placed first in the 100 breast and third in the 200 breast.
 
On the boards, newcomers Alexa Williams, Miah Fisher, and Daniel Valmassei are eager to show their skills during the 1M and 3M events. Against George Washington, Valmassei placed third in both events, following Noah Zawadzki and Taj Cole. 
 
Since arriving at Virginia Tech, Lopez Miro is undefeated against the Devils on the men's side, but still looking for a win on the women's side. The Hokies came close last year, ending the hard-fought meet in a tie.
 
Last year, the Hokies traveled to Durham for their first in-conference meet. The Tech men beat the Blue Devils 171.5-120.5 with standout swims from Antani Ivanov and Youssef Ramadan, as well as first place in both 1M and 3M from Noah Zawadzki. The Tech women finished in a draw, 150-150. Chase Travis and Caroline Bentz both had impressive ACC debuts to help contribute to the close battle with the Blue Devils. 
 
In accordance with campus guidelines, the CAC is asking everyone to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status.