Amid the Final Four superstars, the LSU-Virginia Tech game could hinge on this role player

DALLAS — sat in a deep recess of the American Airlines Center. Under the brim of a black Final Four-branded cowboy hat, she gazed down the length of the Virginia Tech locker room.

There, a throng of reporters and cameras clogged the tight space. Most came to see the Hokies’ point guard, Georgia Amoore, or their 6-foot-6 center, Elizabeth Kitley. Fewer approached Soule. And to her, that’s fine.

In the end, when Virginia Tech (31-4) takes on LSU (32-2) at 6 p.m. Friday in the first game of the Final Four, Soule might make some of the most important plays.

Soule talks most passionately not about scoring or accolades — the things that draw the most attention — but defense.

Soule spoke confidently, in a relaxed yet determined manner. The cowboy hat cast a shadow, hiding her eyes. The 5-foot-11 transfer from Boston College is content to do the dirty work.

“I take defense personally,” Soule said. “If my teammates are looking at me, they’re like, ‘I don’t care if you have zero points and zero rebounds. But you box her out and make sure that we get the rebound as a team.’ And that’s what I’ll do.

“If anybody knows anything about me, they know that I love defense.”

Virginia Tech has given Soule the all-important tasks of defending LSU star forward Angel Reese and keeping her off the glass. It’s a challenge, one she not only embraces, but relishes. And for the Hokies, it’s critically important that she succeed.

“I love the physicality,” Soule said. “Honestly, I love that I’m a little undersized. I’m only 5-11. I’ve never heard the ‘6,’ ever, so I think (Reese) might have four inches on me or so. But that’s OK, because defense is about heart and hustle, and I’m excited.”

The Hokies won the ACC tournament, earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament’s Seattle 3 Regional, coasted through their first four games and made it to Dallas, where they’ll face LSU in the first semifinal. They’re a senior-laden team with a hard-work attitude.