Oct. 21, 2025

COLLEGIAT ETIMES

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION INTRODUCES FALL 2026 DRONE JOURNALISM CLASS

Rahaf Mohammed | News Writer

The School of Communication introduces a class where students can learn and write about drones.

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.

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The Virginia Tech School of Communication is offering a new drone journalism class where students can learn to fly drones and take the Federal Aviation Administration fly test.

The class started this fall with professor Todd Bennett as the instructor. It provides students with the legal information and drone flying experience they may need for their professional careers.

“The goal is to give students this one skill, but also teach them about the legal aspects and the safety aspects of flying drones,” Bennett said.

The class curriculum focuses on the weather and its effects on drones. They discuss FAA regulations and gain experience from a different perspective. First, they practice flying drones in the drone park, then flying in open airspace.

Students also take the part 107 test to fly drones for commercial purposes. Commercial purposes could be published or broadcast. This is distinct from recreational flyers who fly drones

as a hobby.

Bennett has previous experience teaching a drone journalism class at the University of North Texas.

He explained that he enjoys teaching the class and seeing his students develop the skill of flying drones, as well as being able to do what would be expected of them in their professional careers.

Benett mentioned that they face challenges, as it is hard to find aspects related to journalism that they can document during class time.

The class is open to Hokies from different majors to learn about drones, experience them and is not restricted to journalism students only.

“That’s the beauty of this class is it’s not just geared towards journalists,” Bennett said.

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PATHWAYS 7 CONCEPT SUSPENDED

Matthew Lortie | News Writer

The suspension of Pathway 7 was dissolved alongside Virginia Tech’s DEI office.

On Oct. 1, the Pathways 7 concept “Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States” was suspended by Virginia Tech. This follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders from January regarding diversity, equity and inclusion programs in higher education.

The Pathways program is Virginia Tech’s version of general education requirements. Created in 2015, Pathways allows students to personalize their general education from a wide range of classes grouped into different “concepts,” such as “Critical Thinking in the Humanities” and “Reasoning in the Natural Sciences.”

Several credits from each Pathways concept are required for all students, but as of Oct. 1, all students will have met the

requirements for Pathways 7, whether they have taken the classes or not.

In March, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors drafted a resolution concerning the future of DEI programs at the university. Along with the suspension of Pathways 7, Virginia Tech’s Office for Inclusive Strategy and Excellence was dissolved.

The future of Pathways 7 and the Pathways program is still up in the air.

“(T)he Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies … is currently tasked with drafting a resolution for how to move forward with the Pathways concept,” said Stephen Biscotte, the assistant vice provost for Undergraduate Education at Virginia Tech. “It will work its way all the way through shared

governance, hopefully this academic year.”

Biscotte confirmed that no other Pathways concepts or the classes that meet the requirements of concept 7, will be affected by the suspension. “The classes are still going on … it’s up to the department and the faculty to decide whether those courses continue, but in the vast majority, there is a need for those courses for other reasons than just concept 7.”

Virginia Tech aims to stay committed to free speech and create equal opportunities for all students. Pathways concept 7 is one of the first programs to be impacted by new federal regulations. This comes after InclusiveVT wasdissolved to comply with the federal orders.

“I believe that moving forward in the Pathways concept 7 specifically, is an opportunity for the full community to come in and weigh in on how this should move forward, and how we can respond in the best interest of students and the institution,” Biscotte said.

MAKING MAJOR CHANGES, LITERALLY: TIPS FOR NAVIGATING NEW ACADEMIC PATHS

Abby Davis | Lifestyles Contributor

Here is a guide for anyone looking to switch up their major from freshman to transfer students.

Every current and past freshman is now familiar with the copy-paste conversation that happens in all introlevel classes. New people and content may come along, but the same question still stands: What’s your major?

Stepping into college, there’s an unspoken weight of expectation for what students will study and pursue as their career. When one’s chosen major doesn’t turn out to be the perfect fit, some students may feel like they’ve failed, but they’re not alone.

“It is not uncommon for college students to change their major at least once during their undergraduate academic careers,” said Nasim Schwab, director of Academic Advising and Transition Support. “We meet with a range of students from brand new first-time college students to seniors who want to explore different changeof-major options.”

For students considering a change in their major, this informational guide will alleviate anxiety and help them navigate their academic future.

Seek an advisor

Academic advisors are great resources for various college-related issues and educational planning. Each student has an academic advisor assigned to them upon admission who will help them request courses, discuss graduation pathways and navigate their degree.

Transitional Advising exists on campus specifically for students seeking to change majors or add another to their plan. Students can reach out to their personal academic advisor or directly contact transitional advising to make an appointment.

Types of majors

There are two types of undergraduate majors: restricted and unrestricted. Restricted majors have certain academic criteria that need to be met before the major can be declared. Contact one of the restricted majors’ academic advisors for further action.

Unrestricted majors can be primary, a student’s first major, or secondary, a

double major or dual degree. To switch one’s primary major, students must complete at least one semester of graded coursework. For secondary majors, more information is available from individual colleges.

For those still considering what major to switch to, information sessions are held throughout the year. Additionally, academic advisors within each major or even coaches with Career and Professional Development can assist students in discovering which major matches their interests.

“I believe students should be investing their time and energy into classes that interest them and pursue majors they are passionate about,” Schwab said.

The right time

The ideal change of major dates are at the end of fall, spring and summer semesters. Applications open and close within a set time frame and are different for restricted and unrestricted majors. Course requirements, supplemental fees and changes in tuition are also factors to consider in this decision.

“I had to wait until April when the change of major form opened,” said Eli Kreppel, a sophomore who switched from biology to medicinal chemistry.

“I also had to wait about two months for them to actually approve the switch once I filled out the form.”

The process can be tedious, but when it involves a student’s future, it’s worthwhile.

Transfer students

There’s a different pool of undergraduate majors that transfer students can select from, and the availability varies each semester. While it’s recommended to transfer at the start of the fall semester, the transfer process can take place in the spring as well.

Rishav Dhar, a junior who switched from finance to computer science, had to go through the process of changing majors and transferring credits when making the move from Rutgers University to Virginia Tech.

“(Virginia Tech) and other schools

make sure to list transfer equivalencies on a dedicated page,” Dhar said. “This made it pretty easy to find what courses I took at Rutgers counted towards major requirements here.”

Though transfer students have a different application process, they can access the same resources as all students. Additional information can be found at the transfer student admissions page.

Next steps

For those not familiar with Hokie Spa, now is an ideal time to explore this resource. This is the central information hub for students, including the application for changing majors.

Requesting a major change will identify if the major is restricted and provide the requirements to transfer. This process can only be completed three times per year for a primary major change.

Students are advised to speak with an advisor about any questions or

concerns. More detailed steps can be found on the change of major informational page.

Don’t stress

“I always encourage students to take the time to research options and talk to one of our transitional advisors,” Schwab said. “Virginia Tech offers over 150 majors, and a lot of different majors can lead to the same career paths.”

College doesn’t have to be a win-lose situation. It’s prime time for students to start planning for the future, and it’s normal for that choice to change.

The faculty and staff recognize this as well, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support and guidance.

THE GHOSTS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA: A GUIDE TO HAUNTED LOCATIONS IN BLACKSBURG AND BEYOND

Samuel Harvey | Lifestyles Staff Writer

A look into haunting local stories and locations this spooky season.

Since its founding in 1798, the town of Blacksburg has witnessed numerous eras of American history. Sites such as the historic Alexander Black House and The Lyric Theatre serve as architectural reminders of the town’s storied past. Whether Hokies are taking in the Victorian-style architecture or the 1930s downtown charm, they are interacting with tangible pieces of local history. However, not every part of history chooses to fade into memory. Across Southwest Virginia, rumors of ghosts and paranormal activity have sprung up over the years. Here is a deeper dive into a few notable and potentially haunted locations.

Alexander Black House

Located between Main Street and Draper Road in Blacksburg, the Alexander Black House is immediately an odd sight compared to the more contemporary buildings nearby. Its Victorian-era architecture and deep green exterior have seldom changed since the building was originally constructed in 1897.

Despite the elegant and dainty exterior, the house became well acquainted with death. During its tenure as the Black family home, it witnessed the death of Mary Louise — Alexander Black’s adopted daughter — at the hands of influenza in 1918. Years later, Alexander himself passed away in the downstairs bedroom. After the last member of the Black family passed away in 1935, the house was sold to Oakey’s Funeral Home, which operated in this location until 2002.

Currently, the Alexander Black House serves as a museum and is accessible to the public. Although the Victorian charm is still on full display, the house carries an air of loss.

Visitors and museum workers have reported a few minor instances of paranormal activity, including rocking chairs moving on the porch independently, disembodied footsteps creaking across the floor and shadowy figures peering out of empty windows at night. Spooky

Appalachia, a YouTube travel channel, recounted a story from 2018 where a passerby spotted the eerie figure of a woman clad in a white Victorian-era dress, standing stoically on the porch at night.

With so many ties to the Black family, could it be possible that they still call the house home even after death?

The Lyric Theatre

Just off campus on College Avenue, the Lyric Theatre has become a Blacksburg staple with its bright, old-fashioned sign and crown of comedy and tragedy masks on the rooftop. Inside, customers are surrounded by velvet tapestries and ornate lanterns, preserved since the theatre opened in 1930. Most know the theatre as a symbol of vintage, downtown charm; however, it also houses a few spectral inhabitants.

Author Barbara Smith detailed these potential hauntings in her 2002 book “Haunted Theaters.” According to Smith, visitors reported hearing a strange male voice from the balcony; allegedly, a construction worker fell to his death while working on the theatre.

Another spirit has been heard in the form of a woman’s voice who occasionally screams, “Let me out” from inside a wall. These instances have not been caught on camera, so skeptics will have to visit the Lyric to find out for themselves.

St. Albans Sanatorium

Half an hour from Blacksburg in Fairlawn, Virginia, stands St. Albans Sanatorium, which holds the reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Virginia according to the state’s website. Overlooking the churning waters of the New River, the once prestigious building now looks like a brick prison with its rusted roof and barred windows. Even before the building was constructed, the very land it stands on holds a disturbing history.

In the 18th century, European farmers established an isolated settlement along the New River, which became known as Draper’s Meadow. However, this

seemingly prosperous location became dangerous when the neighboring Shawnee tribe launched an attack on the farmers. The conflict resulted in multiple deaths and the capture of a European woman. This skirmish became known as the Draper’s Meadow Massacre and was the first event of a long timeline of tragedies for the area.

Just over a hundred years after the events at Draper’s Meadow, the future location of St. Albans Sanatorium became a battleground during the Civil War. In 1864, Brigadier General George Crook of the Union army attempted to march through Radford, Virginia, with the intent of destroying Confederate railroads nearby.

Crook’s forces were met with strong resistance from Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins’ Confederate units. The two sides clashed at the decisive Cloyd’s Mountain, which can be seen from the sanatorium. Although the Confederates ultimately lost the battle, Union casualty numbers were also staggeringly high.

Three decades following the Civil War, St. Albans Preparatory School was opened in 1892. Although it was intended to raise upstanding gentlemen, the school quickly gained an ugly reputation for its aggressive disciplinary tactics. Its unpopular reputation took a tragic turn when three students committed suicide due to the unhealthy environment. The school was promptly shut down, but the building quickly found a new use.

Dr. J.C. King founded St. Albans Sanatorium in 1916 to establish a clean, safe and rehabilitating sanctuary for the mentally ill. Unfortunately, the medical practices of the time were somewhat at odds with King’s vision. Patients were subject to electroshock therapy, lobotomies and hydrotherapy — a practice in which patients are covered in wet cloths for an extended period of time.

Needless to say, these misinformed and dangerous forms of treatment took their toll on the patients of St. Albans. Although no official documents of patient deaths are fully available to

the public, various reports of patient suicides surfaced after the sanatorium closed in the 1990s. The sanatorium’s closing marked the end of its painful history.

With the amount of disturbing history associated with it, St. Albans Sanatorium is a treasure trove for ghost hunters and other brave adventurers. Even before stepping inside, visitors have reported hearing the faint echoes of cannon fire and smelling the stench of gunpowder. These occurrences could potentially be traces of the Cloyd’s Mountain fighting. Once inside, the cavernous hallways and peeling walls reek with feelings of sadness and despair. Aside from the unsettling feel of the building itself, some visitors claim to have heard mysterious screams and scattered voices in the abandoned wings of the building. Objects such as old children’s toys and wheelchairs have been known to move independently before the startled eyes of onlookers.

With its history of battles, bloodshed and medical malpractice, stories of ghosts and lingering spirits appear all the more plausible. When the sanatorium was fully abandoned in 2004, it was scheduled for demolition. However, in 2010, paranormal groups and local historians pushed to preserve the structure as a local historical monument. For those brave enough to visit, St. Albans Sanatorium is now open for private bookings and tours for the public.

From the quiet creaks of the Alexander Black House to the haunting echoes inside St. Albans Sanatorium, each one of these spectral locations offers a chilling reminder of the Blacksburg region’s rich history. Any Hokie interested in Virginia’s history or a thrilling outing should consider checking out these locations.

‘SOUTH PARK’ IS THE LAST PLATFORM OF FREE SPEECH

Karl Chamberlain | Opinions Columnist

South Park shines light on the importance of freedom of speech.

Charlie Kirk was killed for speaking his mind and Jimmy Kimmel was suspended for talking about it. Although a life is not equivalent to a talk show, both sides of the political spectrum are being silenced. While the assassination of Kirk is still a developing case, it’s probable that Kirk was killed for one of his racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic or Islamophobic comments. I may detest the things he had to say, but he certainly had the right to say them. His murder is a disgusting abuse of the Constitution; the Second Amendment should not be used to attack the First. Although extreme, this rightward-facing attack on speech exists in isolation. Kimmel’s suspension is less significant but more representative of how speech is being censored on the left. According to the BBC, Kimmel was suspended for his comments about Kirk, but the monologue in question doesn’t assert any position about Kirk; the commentary is about President Trump. Kimmel satirizes Trump’s apathetic responses to questions about losing a supposed friend, which uses Kirk as exposition to mock the president rather than a subject to denigrate. The decision to suspend Kimmel followed threats from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr to take regulatory action.

Trump celebrated the suspension of Kimmel, as he did with Stephen Colbert. There’s no proof that the Trump administration played a role in the termination of Colbert’s show; however, it did closely follow Colbert criticizing his parent company, Paramount, for paying Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

If prominent figures on the right now need fortification to raise their voices and figures on the left need to soften their already sanitized remarks to evade federal interference, then who can speak freely? The answer is the creators of Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo. The aforementioned Paramount paid “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone $1.5 billion for five years

of exclusive streaming rights to “South Park.” Parker and Stone’s debut episode under this new deal, “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” overtly critiqued Paramount, censorship and the Trump administration with astute immaturity.

Details of the deal are private, but its effects are public. Parker and Stone seemingly secured enough control to say whatever they want without censorship. From known information, namely the show’s price tag, it’s clear that Paramount has paid far too much to drop the show. Parker and Stone effectively wielded the sunk cost fallacy to attain freedom of speech, all it took was $1.5 billion worth of intellectual property.

Over 28 years, 27 seasons and 325 episodes of “South Park,” “Sermon on the ‘Mount” is the third highest ranked episode on IMDb. They have Jesus Christ, who is a recurring character on the show, inform the residents of South Park that he is contractually obligated to praise Trump in the wake of a lawsuit. He then advises them to do the same, remarking, “You guys saw what happened to CBS? Yeah, well, guess who owns CBS? Paramount! You really wanna end up like Colbert?” Christ continues, “If someone has the power of the presidency and also has the power to sue and take bribes, then he can do anything to anyone!”

This move was as sharp as it is bold. Parker and Stone leveraged their massive audience and focused on the system that’s stifling particular ideas rather than the ideas themselves. That’s not to say those same ideas aren’t also reiterated; the ancillary strength of this episode is its intentionally petty attacks on Trump. They recycle the character design and voice used for Saddam Hussein, dog-whistling that Trump is a dictator to anyone familiar with older seasons. The callback is overt to any remotely tenured fan, as they place Trump in a sexual relationship with Satan, like they did with Hussein. To emphasize the immorality of Trump’s character, they have the literal devil

question him about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. There is also, naturally, a myriad of jokes about Trump’s tiny penis.

Parker and Stone continued attacking the Trump administration in successive episodes, targeting ICE deportations and depicting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence as a massage parlor filled with young and uncomfortable-looking girls, alluding to Trump’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein. These episodes were slower in comparison to “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” but pace and impact was restored with the most recent episode at the time of writing, “Conflict of Interest.”

There were more jokes about censorship, with the B-plot featuring a series of slapstick gags involving the aforementioned Carr, whose debacle with Kimmel occurred in the week preceding the episode. After falling down the White House stairs and consuming massive amounts of Plan B, a doctor tells Vice President JD Vance that Carr “might lose his freedom of speech.” It’s another great, purposefully jejune way of critiquing the Trump administration.

Throughout the episode, the children of South Park bet on the prospect of Sheila Broflovski, a Jewish character, bombing a hospital in Gaza. The story demonstrates how the people of South Park conflate Judaism and Zionism, resulting in discrimination against Jewish people. This alone is a commendable inclusion of a current issue, but what follows is more impactful. Broflovski travels to Israel and barges into the office of Prime Minister and war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu. She yells, “Mr. Netanyahu, just who do you think you are? Killing thousands and flattening neighborhoods, then wrapping yourself in Judaism like it’s some shield from criticism. You’re making life for Jews miserable and life for American Jews impossible.”

Broflovski’s monologue was a succinct characterization of the

genocide in Gaza and how it’s being defended. Though the tides are turning concerning coverage of Israel, it’s still refreshing to see Parker and Stone be so direct with their criticism. It returns to the idea of free speech and again pokes fun at Paramount, which is producing a movie biased toward Israel, “Red Alert,” and previously had a vocally Zionist CEO, Shari Redstone. Israel is the perfect medium for “South Park” to address concerns with the government, Paramount and censorship. Why is our government banning visas for chanting “death to the IDF” while funding death by the IDF? These are questions that should be asked, and we shouldn’t be afraid to ask them. Americans shouldn’t be apprehensive about expressing their views, and Parker’s and Stone’s dauntless attitudes should set a precedent. Even if this isn’t the land of the free, we can still make it the home of the brave.

CHOOSE INCONVENIENCE

Shreya Munjeti | Opinions Contributor

Embracing the moment is just as important as capturing them.

Boxes of photos, analog tapes, letters, postcards and ticket stubs age alongside my parents in my childhood home. I’ve spent countless hours sifting through the contents of these boxes, inspecting treasured memories, seized by a sense of nostalgia. Between the pages of photo albums, in the pixels of camcorder videos and in handwritten notes, lives intention. It’s transporting to touch creases and see handwriting affected by emotion.

Our documentation has become progressively more convenient. Phones have become an extension of our beings, always attached to us and swiftly capturing moments. We can text, take pictures, watch a movie, hear the voices of our loved ones, map a road trip and even write an essay on the same six-inch metal clunk. With all this convenience,

why is film increasingly something Gen Zers, like myself, are drawn to?

John Kline of John’s Cameras & Records says, “Film is back.” Kline is nothing short of an archivist. His shop is filled with old cameras dating back to the 20s, most of which require a deep understanding of the craft to take a simple picture. The shop has been open for over 50 years and has witnessed the ebbs and flows of film’s popularity.

“If you like the art form of it, I’d go film,” Kline said.

I hypothesize that the tactility of analog is novel to Gen Z. The meditative art of adjusting exposure, focus, colors and lens is seductive to us for more than just its aesthetic. The finite nature of the roll mirrors that of life. This is different from the phototaking we are used to because instead of a perfected (and

later, forgotten) addition to a camera roll, pictures become cherished time capsules.

“To take the time to set up for a picture, it’s worth it, it’s neat,” Kline said.

In a world of chaos and instant gratification, the lengthy process of film photography is an escape. According to Sharing Sociology, “Anthropologists of media Mani Mehrvarz and Maryam Muliaee (2017) argue that the stress of constant productivity and efficiency is emulated in digital technology, which lacks human input, and thus human error. Nostalgia then manifests itself in a desire for indexicality, with analog mediums such as cassette tapes and film whose ‘flaws’ seem closer to the real, tangible world (178).” Convenience strips us of authenticity.

The joy in inconvenience is in pausing, understanding, asking questions and learning. It’s in the human connection you stumble upon while asking these questions. Moving forward, I’m choosing inconvenience.

Along with my usual iPhone snaps, I plan to document my distinct experiences with texture and grain, sometimes out of focus, but always with intentionality. If nothing more, it will look nice in my friends’ Instagram dumps.

WOMEN’S SOCCER’S WEST COAST TRIP SPOILED IN 1-0 LOSS TO CAL

Thomas Hughes | Sports Staff Writer

The Hokies are winless in their last nine matches.

Virginia Tech women’s soccer’s trip to the West Coast ended in familiar fashion Sunday afternoon: Another hard-fought effort that came up short. The Hokies fell 1-0 to California, remaining winless in conference play despite one of their most active attacking performances of the season.

With the loss, Virginia Tech’s (4-8-3, 0-6-1 ACC) winless streak has now extended to nine games thanks to a second-half strike from Cal forward Soleil Dimry. The Hokies have been outscored, 9-1, in their last three games, following a 2-1 loss to No. 1 Virginia and a 5-0 blowout at the hands of No. 3 Stanford.

Despite being on the road, over 2,650 miles away from Blacksburg, the Hokies showed no fear in the early going. Head coach Chugger Adair’s group pressed forward with purpose, matching Cal’s possession-oriented style and finding space down the wings through midfielders Hannah Pachan and Peyton May. Pachan led the team with five shots, with

three on target. However, none of her shots found the back of the net; Cal goalkeeper Teagan Wy corralled all of them.

Wy, a senior, stood tall all afternoon; her eight stops were the difference in a game that otherwise appeared relatively balanced. The Hokies outshot the Golden Bears, 15-10, and held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks. But as has often been the case this season, efficiency in enemy territory proved elusive for the Hokies. Natalie Mitchell added three shots on goal, while Pachan, May and defender Madi Boutot each tested Wy from close range. But none of those shots found the back of the net. Virginia Tech’s buildup play was composed, and its effort never wavered. California punished one lapse shortly after halftime. In the 50th minute, Dimry buried a low shot past goalkeeper Lauren Hargrove for the go-ahead and game-winning goal. From there, the Hokies were forced to chase the game but largely controlled the final half

hour.

Mitchell nearly equalized in the 67th minute with an upper-area shot that Wy saved. Three minutes later, Boutot found space and slammed a shot towards the bottom-left corner; however, once again, Wy was there to keep the Golden Bears ahead.

The Hokies couldn’t find a breakthrough. Mitchell’s 87th-minute try was no good, again stopped by Wy and pushed over the bar. That missed opportunity marked Tech’s last real chance before time expired. Still, discipline became a concern as the game wore on. The Hokies picked up three yellow cards — one each for Samantha DeGuzman, May and Taylor Price — as frustration built. Virginia Tech was whistled for 13 fouls compared to just three for California.

The Hokies’ offensive output, however, was a sign of growth; eight of their 15 shots were on target. While it was one of their sharpest attacking efforts in several weeks,

the finishing touch was still missing. For the third time this year, and the first back-to-back occasion, the Hokies were shut out.

In a season defined by close calls, Sunday’s contest fit the prototypical pattern. All but one of Tech’s eight losses have been by a single goal; the team’s competitive edge has remained steady despite the results. Adair’s squad has shown an ability to stay organized and create consistent chances. Still, the final product and the ability to convert pressure into goals continues to be the elusive piece that has kept the Hokies winless for six weeks. Virginia Tech’s next challenge comes against a familiar foe. The Hokies will face off against Duke on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. ET in Thompson Field. The Blue Devils (8-3-1, 3-3 ACC) were the team that eliminated Virginia Tech in last year’s NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.

VOLLEYBALL FALTERS IN 4-SET LOSS TO NOTRE DAME

Thomas Hughes | Sports Staff Writer

Reese Hazelton tallied 11 kills.

Virginia Tech volleyball showcased moments of promise but couldn’t sustain enough consistency down the stretch, falling to Notre Dame in four sets Sunday afternoon. The Hokies (9-8, 1-5 ACC) were paced by Reese Hazelton’s 11 kills; the occasion marked the fourth time this season that Hazelton has led Virginia Tech in kills.

Though the box score reflected a closely fought contest — Notre Dame (7-7, 4-2 ACC) held a slim edge in hitting percentage, with .216 to Tech’s .203, and kills (54-44) — the Irish proved steadier in late-set execution. The Hokies, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their offensive flow in key moments despite flashes of efficiency from several hitters.

Middle blocker Isabella Mishler starred with nine kills, a .533 hitting rate, five block assists and an ace. Hazelton followed with a team-high 11 kills and four blocks, and outside hitter Payton Woods added nine kills of her own, including several momentum-swinging plays in the second set.

However, the Hokies were sluggish out of the gate and dropped the opening set, 25-14. The Irish leapt out to a 16-9 lead behind outside hitter Sydney Helmers, who recorded four of her eventual 19 kills in the first frame. Tech struggled to adjust to Notre Dame’s serving and tallied just a .087 hit mark in the first set, with several attacks sailing long or into the net.

The Hokies looked more composed in the second set and traded points with the Fighting Irish in the opening half of it. Woods and Hazelton began to find their rhythm on the outside, connecting on several quick sets from setter Camilla Brandalise, while Ainsley Ranstead came off the bench and provided an immediate boost. The graduate student totaled seven kills in the match, three of which came in the second set.

The Hokies held a 19-16 advantage after a service ace from Brandalise. From there, Tech maintained control, siding out effectively and finishing strong behind Hazelton

and Ranstead. After Notre Dame clawed back to tie the set at 23, it conceded two points via a Ranstead kill and a Helmers attack error, allowing the Hokies to knot the match at one set apiece.

The third set proved to be the turning point. The Hokies fell behind, 7-3, after another burst of Helmers’ offense and two service aces from outside hitter Mae Kordas, but they rallied impressively. After trailing 21-15, Tech mounted a seven-point charge to knot the frame at 22.

However, once again, Notre Dame found the small margin needed to walk out with the set victory. Helmers delivered a decisive go-ahead kill, then followed with a service ace to seal the set, 26-24, and put Tech on the brink.

The Hokies carried that energy into the fourth, hanging strong with the Fighting Irish, who struggled to finish plays. After battling to a 15-15 tie, Notre Dame’s front line asserted control. Kordas and Helmers combined for

six kills after the tie, while Virginia Tech was hampered by four service errors in the set alone. The Irish closed the match on a 5-2 run, punctuated by a Kordas kill that ended Tech’s comeback hopes, 25-21.

Notre Dame’s serving and balance proved decisive; the Irish accrued five more aces than the Hokies while committing six fewer service errors. That difference consistently swung momentum in relatively even sets. Still, there were positives for the Hokies to take home. Their blocking presence matched Notre Dame’s nine blocks as a team, while six different Hokies tallied at least four kills.

Virginia Tech will begin the first leg of its Commonwealth Clash with a home contest against in-state rival Virginia on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. ET. The second leg will be in Charlottesville on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. ET. Both games will be available for viewing on ACC Network Extra.