Virginia Wesleyan University sitting sixth in the ODAC preseason poll? Bold choice.
ODAC's Unpredictable Picks
Randolph-Macon College tops the list with a whopping 64 points, grabbing eight first-place votes. They've got the target on their back, and they know it. But here's the thing—polls are just numbers. Virginia Wesleyan snagged 35 points, sitting just below University of Lynchburg's 38. The gap isn't insurmountable.
The Underdog Mentality
Virginia Wesleyan has a chance to flip the script. With teams like Roanoke College, who pulled a single first-place vote, and Randolph College ahead, the Marlins can make some noise. Head Coach Chris Hamilton isn't sweating it. "Polls don't play matches," he quipped, and he's right. It's all about what happens on the court.
Eye on the Prize
The Marlins need to watch out for heavy hitters like Randolph-Macon and Roanoke. These teams are no joke. But Virginia Wesleyan isn't backing down. With players like Evan Wagner leading the squad, they've got the talent to surprise everyone. Wagner's been a consistent force, and you can bet he's itching to prove the pollsters wrong.
The Path Forward
The key? Find their rhythm early and capitalize on every opportunity. This is where it changes. The Marlins are set to face off against a tough lineup, but they've got the grit to handle business. If Virginia Wesleyan can kick off the season strong, expect a shake-up in the rankings. You felt it coming.
And from there… it was over.
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Source: vwuathletics.com
