With a rematch of last year's championship game on the horizon, the Virginia women's lacrosse team knew it had to take care of business against in-state rival William & Mary last night. The Cavaliers did exactly that, beating the visiting Tribe, 16-7.
The visitors from Williamsburg jumped out to an early lead on a goal by star attacker Collen Dalon just over a minute into the game. Yet their lead was short-lived as Virginia standout Amy Appelt tied the score less than a minute later. Appelt's score was the first of nine unanswered goals scored by five different players -- the Cavaliers rode their explosive first half to a 10-4 halftime lead. The 10 goals came on only 17 shots.
Junior attacker Tyler Leachman, who scored three goals in the game, explained the importance of playing well against William & Mary, a team many see as one of the top 20 in the nation. The Tribe defeated Penn State, the only team to beat Virginia this season.
"We knew we needed to win this game so we could keep up the momentum for Saturday's rematch with Princeton," Leachman said.
Leachman, Appelt and Cary Chasney were the stars for Virginia as they each scored at least three goals, with Appelt notching four and adding two assists. In all, nine Cavaliers scored goals as they maintained a comfortable lead throughout much of the game.
The highlight of the contest occurred when Chasney passed the ball behind her back to Appelt, who easily slipped it past the Tribe's goalie.
Freshman Kendall McBrearty started her first career game in the goal for Virginia. Regular starting goalkeeper Ginger Miles took the night off following minor injuries suffered in her 15-save performance during Saturday's win at North Carolina. McBrearty excelled in goal, compiling nine saves.
Virginia coach Julie Myers commended her young goalkeeper's ability to handle the spot start.
"Kendall did a great job," Myers said. "We told her to enjoy this opportunity and to not feel like it was up to her to win the game. I feel that she did a terrific job with that."
Despite sitting out last night's game, Miles was available for backup duty and will be in goal this weekend against Princeton, Myers said.
The game was not without drama -- the crowd at Klockner Stadium was left holding its breath when Appelt collapsed to the ground after spinning into the crease midway through the first half. She left the game for about ten minutes with a thigh bruise before returning at the end of the half. After scoring two goals in the second half, the senior standout aggravated the injury and sat out the rest of the game.
With Saturday's big game looming, Appelt's injury will be receiving increased scrutiny. Appelt, however, has already reached a diagnosis.
"The leg is good," Appelt said. "I'll definitely be ready to go this Saturday."
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