Lynchburg, Va. – The stage is set and anticipation hangs thick in the air as the No. 2 seed Lynchburg Hornets (12-4-3, 8-0-2) prepare to clash with the No. 3 seed Virginia Wesleyan Marlins (9-5-3, 8-2) for a coveted slot in the ODAC championship.
Tickets for this much-anticipated showdown will be available for purchase online through HomeTown Ticketing, priced at $10 for adults, while children aged 5-17 can cheer for just $5. Flipping the script, students from participating colleges and children under five can revel in the excitement for free—a golden opportunity for families.
This encounter is not just another game; it’s a rematch steeped in history. Reflect back to the epic face-offs of the 2022 and 2021 ODAC championships—moments laden with drama. Two years ago, the Hornets triumphed over the Marlins after a nail-biting penalty shootout, while a year prior, it was VWU who lifted the trophy through a narrow 1-0 victory.
Their earlier clash this season—also noteworthy—took place in Virginia Beach, where Lynchburg secured a decisive 2-0 victory. Goal scorers Madelyn Boyce and Leilianis Irigoyen etched their names on the scoresheet, setting the tone for this rivalry.
In the Hornets’ most recent outing, they edged past Bridgewater in the quarterfinals with a thrilling 1-0 victory, thanks to a swift goal from Leilianis Irigoyen merely three minutes into play. This win not only marked a fourth consecutive triumph for Lynchburg but also extended their unbeaten streak to an impressive run dating back to October 2nd. They now boast a remarkable record of 8-0-1 in their last nine matches.
On the other side of the pitch, the Marlins arrive full of confidence after dispatching the sixth-seed Shenandoah in their quarterfinal bout. VWU stormed out to a commanding 3-0 lead, and despite a spirited comeback attempt from the Hornets—which saw two late goals—the Marlins held firm, securing their place in this anticipated rematch. Spearheading their offensive charge is sophomore sensation Shyenne Diaz, the team’s leading scorer with an impressive tally of six goals this season.
The victor of this highly charged encounter will advance to contest the championship game against the winner of the Washington & Lee versus Randolph-Macon match. It promises to be an electrifying afternoon of soccer, where stakes are high, and fervor reigns supreme!
Stay connected with all the latest from the Lynchburg Hornets by visiting the Lynchburg athletics hub for real-time updates and news. Whether catching highlights on social media or signing up for alerts, keep your finger on the pulse of the action.
So, are you ready? Let’s go Hornets!
