When it comes to field hockey, the Monarchs of Old Dominion have lived up to their name, reigning over Virginia.
Since 1997, ODU is 8-0 against the Cavaliers. All time, they are 27-7 in a rivalry dating back to 1976.
In fact, the last time the Cavaliers defeated Old Dominion, this year's seniors were still in middle school.
But this could be the year Virginia regains Commonwealth bragging rights.
Last year, the Cavaliers traveled to Norfolk to tangle with then-No. 7 ranked ODU and led in the second half before falling 4-3.
This time around, Virginia will have had an entire week to prepare for what is sure to be an excellent early season test.
"We're going to look at a little bit of film, do a little scout[ing], and we're going to throw a couple different things into practice this week in preparation for next weekend," Virginia coach Jess Wilk said.
One major adjustment Virginia will need to be prepared for is a dramatic change in the pace of play. Against inferior teams such as VCU and Ball State, Virginia was able to slow the game down and play at its own tempo. That may not be as easy against the Monarchs.
"ODU's a really fast team, so we need to keep attacking in numbers, working the ball quickly and really working as a unit," senior Katie Phillips said.
The Cavaliers will count on Phillips to be one of the main contributors on offense. With four goals against Ball State, she now leads the team offensively. Teammate Allie Flynn has two goals and is tied for team leader in assists with three.
Flynn agreed with Phillips's take on ODU, adding that the game likely will be a relatively high-scoring one.
"We really need to put the ball in the cage and not play back on defense so much," she said.
Now that the team has shaken off most of the rust of the offseason, the ODU game will be a real litmus test for Virginia's place among the ranks of the field hockey elite. Regardless of the outcome, the game will give Wilk and her staff a good idea of what aspects Virginia needs to improve on before the ACC schedule kicks off in late September.
While it is still early in the season, Wilk said she hopes the game can set the tone for the coming months.
"I think this is an important game for us," Wilk said. "I think the team is excited about the challenge in front of us, and I think that's a little bit different than in years past. I think they're looking to try to prove themselves against a quality opponent with a lot of history."
Wilk is seeking her first victory over Old Dominion as head coach at Virginia. In addition, Virginia is looking to take down an ODU program that has never lost to Virginia in NCAA Tournament play and that has eliminated the Cavaliers six times in 29 years.
Saturday's game also will be the beginning of a two-week stretch of road trips. After the trip to Norfolk, the Cavaliers will head to Evanston, Ill. for two games before playing their second home game of the season Sept. 16 against James Madison.
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