The fifth-ranked Virginia men's lacrosse team defeated Drexel yesterday, 20-5, in its season opener at the U-Hall Turf Field. The Cavalier offense dominated early in the game, keeping possession for most of the first half. Drexel's attack, which rarely had control of the ball, did not have many scoring opportunities - Virginia took 63 shots compared to Drexel's 15. Virginia never trailed in this match after getting off to a quick 7-1 lead in the first period.
"This was definitely the best we've played so far this season," senior attackman Conor Gill said, comparing the game to exhibition victories over Navy, Limestone, Loyola and Bucknell. "We ran well, the sticks were pretty good, and we were smart. It's probably the best we've played all around."
Gill, the leading point scorer from last season, got off to a quick start by contributing one goal and seven assists yesterday. Earlier this season, Gill was named to the All-American team in "Lacrosse Magazine" along with two teammates, junior midfielder Chris Rotelli and senior defenseman Mark Koontz.
Young players provided much of Virginia's scoring output against the Dragons. Freshman attackman Joe Yevoli scored four goals and added one assist in his first collegiate game. Fellow freshman John Christmas tallied a hat trick, including a very pretty quick-stick goal right on the crease. Freshman midfielder Joe Thompson put in two goals in the fourth period.
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"They did great," Gill said. "It's no surprise. They've been playing well all year. This is the first day they've all clicked together."
The first game for the attack tandem of Christmas, Yevoli and Gill was an offensive clinic as the Cavaliers had an easy time in their victory. Christmas and Yevoli - two of the most highly touted recruits in school history - will play important roles as the season goes on and will benefit from Gill's passing savvy.
Sophomore goaltender Tillman Johnson played a strong game in the cage. With Virginia dominating time of possession, the Dragons only posted 15 shots with Johnson saving seven of them.
Johnson gave credit to his defense for making his job easier.
"They played hard and had better communication as the game went on." Johnson said.
Johnson was named ACC rookie of the year last season and was able to unseat an NCAA champion goalie in Derek Kenney. Johnson was named a preseason second-team All-American by "Lacrosse Magazine."
The Cavalier defense of David Burman, Brett Hughes and Ned Bowen had a solid performance, and long stick midfielders Trey Whitty and Steve Holmes played well in the few defensive situations Virginia encountered.
The other Virginia midfielders also played well against Drexel, led by junior Billy Glading with four goals. Rotelli registered three goals, and fellow junior A.J. Shannon tallied two goals and one assist.
Yesterday's victory was Virginia coach Dom Starsia's 100th win since taking over in 1993. He also posted 101 wins at Brown. He becomes only the third coach to win 100 games at two different universities.
The Cavaliers, who are ranked fifth in the "Face-Off"yearbook coaches' poll, have a tough season ahead of them.
"We play the most difficult schedule in the country," Starsia said.
However, he said his team is ready to play the best competition the NCAA has to offer. Also, Starsia said he believes Virginia's tough schedule allows him to recruit so successfully.
"It's why John Christmas came here," Starsia said. "It's why these freshman come here."
This Saturday Virginia faces lacrosse power Syracuse at home in the latest chapter of one of lacrosse's best rivalries. The second-ranked Orangemen defeated Virginia, 13-7, in front of over 10,000 fans at the Carrier Dome last season. Every Virginia player stressed how important this game is and that the team must improve in practices this week if it wants to win.
A week later, the Cavaliers face top-ranked Princeton at home in another matchup that could speak volumes about Virginia's chances at a national championship.
Last season was somewhat of a disappointing year for the Cavaliers. They finished 7-7 and were knocked out of the first round of the NCAA tournament by Hofstra. Luckily, the Cavaliers did not lose many players to graduation this season, and as shown against Drexel, there is a talented group of incoming players that can contribute immediately.
Another factor that works in Virginia's favor is that both the Syracuse and Princeton games are at Klockner Stadium this season. These games against college lacrosse's two top teams are winnable games at home.
Unfortunately, the Cavaliers are dealing with two injuries to veteran players right now. Senior attackman Ian Shure is out with no definite return date. Also, team captain and senior defenseman Mark Koontz is suffering from a broken wrist, but could possibly return to practice this week.
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