Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech head coach Chugger Adair released the Hokies' 2023 schedule on Monday, outlining a competitive list of matchups with 10 teams from the 2022 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship.
After making their third straight appearance to the NCAA tournament, Tech will face five opponents from last year's Sweet 16 including the NCAA runner-up North Carolina. The 2023 slate is comprised of 12 matches against RPI top-100 programs from last season and houses six year-end, top-25 finishers (per United Soccer Coaches).
"We are excited to release our 2023 schedule," said Adair. "It is a very difficult schedule that is going to prepare and test our team throughout the nonconference season as well as the ACC schedule."
The Hokies will begin their season on the road making two exhibition appearances at East Tennessee State (Aug. 9) and at Liberty (Aug. 12) prior to opening the regular season on Thursday, Aug. 17, at Butler.
The season will continue on the road next playing against Indiana on Aug. 20, before bringing the action home to Thompson Field.
"We get the opportunity to go on the road to the test our ability before hosting our local rival James Madison. The season continues back on the road again to play Georgetown before hosting a Big 10 powerhouse Northwestern.
Tech will ring in the new season at Thompson Field on Thursday, Aug. 24, when it host James Madison in Blacksburg for the first time since 2015. The Hokies have won the last six matchups against the Dukes since 2010. Tech will hit the road once again to compete against Georgetown on Aug. 27.
The non-conference schedule extends through Sept. 10 with Old Dominion (Aug. 31), at Charlotte (Sept. 3), at Navy (Sept. 7), and Northwestern (Sept. 10) before opening ACC action in Chapel Hill, N.C. against North Carolina on Sept. 15. The Hokies matchup will serve as a rematch of their 2-1 upset over the third-ranked Tar Heels, who advanced as far as the final match of the 2022 Women's College Cup.
"The schedule in the ACC is to going to be very difficult and we are looking forward to the opportunity to play against the quality of competition our schedule presents. The overall quality of this schedule will hopefully prepare us and give us the chance to resume build once selection time comes for the NCAA Tournament."
Behind its ACC opener against UNC, Tech continues their road contests at Boston College (Sept. 21) and Syracuse (Sept. 24).
The Hokies bring the action back to Thompson field for a three game home stretch against ACC opponents Wake Forest (Sept. 29), NC State (Oct. 5), and Clemson (Oct. 8). Tech defeated the No. 22 Wolfpack in Raleigh 1-0 before going on to defeat the Demon Deacons 2-0.
The Commonwealth Clash moves to Virginia this year on Oct. 15 at Scott Stadium. Last season, Tech tied No. 13 Virginia 3-3 as Taylor Bryan scored the equalizer in the final minute of the match.
Tech will close out the regular season hosting Duke (Oct. 19) and Miami (Oct. 22) before traveling to Pitt (Oct. 26). Both Duke and Pitt advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
"We are excited and looking forward to a wonderful opportunity for our student athletes to show their quality against some of the best teams in the country."
Virginia Tech will compete for one of six berths in the 2023 ACC Women's Soccer Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina on Nov. 5.
All kickoff times displayed on Virginia Tech's 2023 season schedule are Eastern and subject to change. Broadcast and streaming information pertaining to Tech women's soccer matches will be released at a later date.
Regular season admission to Thompson Field is free for all fans.