All the parts were present and all the tools were put into action, but there was just something missing on May 18, 2003. That Sunday, the University of Virginia's women's lacrosse team fell, 8-7, in overtime to the defending national champion Princeton Tigers in Syracuse, NY. The same location the Cavaliers opened their season, succumbing to Syracuse in overtime.
The one-point loss ended an incredible season for Virginia.
"At the final whistle there were hundreds of thoughts going through my head," senior tri-captain Lauri Kenis said. "We had it and we let it slip away."
Maybe it was not meant to be for the Cavaliers (17-5) or maybe it was destiny for Princeton (16-4) to defend its title, but either way, Virginia did not take an easy path to reach the championship game.
Coming into the 2003 campaign with a number 3 national preseason rank, many critics expected a lot of the Cavaliers. Virginia, in a way, stumbled out of the gate with the overtime loss to Syracuse in the first game of the season but three straight wins against William & Mary, Old Dominion, and Richmond restored the team's confidence and the confidence of their fans.
Their next opponent, however, would be a true test for the Cavaliers as they squared off against Maryland on their home turf. Virginia lost to Maryland in that match and in their only other game against them, falling 11-6 in the ACC tournament final.
Regardless of the early setback courtesy of the Terrapins, Virginia had no intention of letting anything get in their way of reaching the NCAA championship. After the loss, Virginia went for a six-game win streak, knocking off three ranked opponents, including an upset over then No. 2 Princeton.
Seven games later, and an upset over No. 1 ranked Loyola, the regular season was finished and the stage was set for the start of the NCAA tournament. It was the one idea that every member of the Virginia squad had in their mind before the season even started, they wanted to go all the way this year and bring home a national championship.
Virginia cruised through the first two rounds of the tournament, beating American first then Georgetown, only to face the one opponent they had no answer for during the season, Maryland.
"We always have a mental block with Maryland," junior midfielder Morgan Thalenberg said.
Lady luck was smiling that Friday night as the Cavaliers did everything right, executing with poise and scoring with power. Maryland could not hold onto the lead in the last few minutes and Virginia finally defeated the Terrapins, 9-8.
"Beating Maryland in the semis was a moral victory as well as a great victory for us on the field," Virginia coach Julie Myers said.
"For our graduating players to end on a win over Maryland is very satisfying."
In the end, the Cavaliers fell just short of claiming their preseason goal against Princeton, but so much more was gained from the season.
"After the game, we acknowledged their disappointment and heartache," Myers said. "[We] tried to pick them up with how great a year it was and how special each and every person in the room was and helped make the year."
Senior leadership was vital for Virginia this year as seniors Tiffany Schummer, Lauren Aumiller, and Lauri Kenis, Lindsey Buchanan, Courtney Muller, and Anne Harvey brought experience and skill to the playing field to use and to teach.
"Playing alongside Kenis and Tiff was such an honor," freshman defender Meredith Lazarus said. "They are two of the best lacrosse players I have ever seen or played against, I learned and incredible amount about the game."
The Cavaliers came together to have an impressive 2003 campaign, battling and finessing their way to their goal, and having a good time while doing it. The future is full of talent for Virginia with many great players returning next year and experience under their belts.
"Everyone that returns brings something special to the team," Myers said. "I'm really excited to see what we can do as a team again next year."
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