Virginia Clinches 2023-24 Smithfield Commonwealth Clash

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Strong performances by the UVA women’s lacrosse team and the Cavalier men’s and women’s golf teams this week allowed Virginia to clinch the 2023-24 Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.

After the UVA men’s golf team outperformed Virginia Tech during Sunday’s final round of stroke play at the ACC Championships in Charlotte, the Cavaliers increased their lead in the all-sports standings to 12-6.5. There are only four events and 3.5 points left to be decided in this year’s Clash (softball 0.5 points, men’s outdoor track & field 1 point, women’s outdoor track & field 1 point and baseball 1 point).

Originally called the Commonwealth Challenge (2005-2007), the Commonwealth Clash has been a part of the UVA-Virginia Tech rivalry since 2014. It is an all-sports points-based program with the Commonwealth Clash trophy presented to the winning school each year for its dominance in head-to-head competitions. In some sports, the point is decided by team finishes in ACC Championship competition.

Smithfield became the sponsor of the series between the in-state rivals in 2021.

This year, UVA won Clash points in women’s soccer, men’s soccer, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, volleyball, women’s swimming and diving, women’s tennis, men’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, men’s golf and women’s golf. The Hoos and Hokies split the point in men’s basketball and women’s basketball.

Virginia previously captured the Clash in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023, while Virginia Tech claimed the Clash in 2017, 2018 and 2022. The 2020 and 2021 clashes were canceled due to the pandemic. UVA won both of the original Commonwealth Challenges.