The lacrosse season has started off as well as the Virginia Cavaliers could have dreamed.
The second-ranked men's lacrosse team is a perfect 6-0 on the season, fresh off the heels of an exciting 7-6 victory against fifth-ranked Princeton (2-1) on Sunday. After four decisive victories over mediocre competition to start the season, many questioned how the Cavaliers would fare against the top teams in the nation. Virginia has now taken down two top-five teams in a row and looks to keep that momentum going when they take on Mt. Saint Mary's (0-3) tonight at Klöckner Stadium.
Virginia has won 15 consecutive home games -- currently the longest winning streak in the nation. Their last home game was an impressive 20-15 victory over rival Syracuse. If Virginia gets the victory today, they will set a new school record for most consecutive wins at home.
In order to get the win, Virginia will look to go to the goal early and often. Offense may not have been the Cavaliers' forte in recent years, but Virginia currently has four of the nation's top-twelve scorers on the frontline. One of the team's captains, senior Matt Ward leads the team in points this season with 23. Ward scored two goals on Sunday against Princeton to give him 111 in his career, one shy of fifth all-time at Virginia.
Ward and the offense have also benefited from the return of sophomore attacker Ben Rubeor. Rubeor, who missed two games with an ankle injury earlier in the season, returned to action against Syracuse and has since picked up where he left off with four goals and two assists.
Despite some great victories Virginia is not ready to rest on its laurels.
"There are no big wins and there are no big games," Rubeor said. "The only game that matters now is [the next one]."
That next game features a Mt. Saint Mary's team that appears to be reeling. The Mount comes into this matchup losing their first three games of the season by a combined score of 37-13. This lack of offensive production does not bode well against a Cavalier defense that seems to be improving with every game. Despite giving up 15 goals against Syracuse, most of these goals were scored on man-up penalties or fast breaks. When Virginia was able to get back on defense, they proved they could handle any offense in the country.
"I'd take our six-on-six [defense] anytime," junior defender Ricky Smith said.
Kip Turner has also reasserted himself at the goalie position. After being benched in the second half of the Syracuse game, many speculated whether Bud Petit might challenge Turner for his spot. After an impressive outing against the Princeton Tigers in which he recorded 10 saves, it appears Turner is back in form.
Virginia leads the all-time series against Mt. Saint Mary's 2-0 with an 11-4 victory last season. The Cavaliers only led 4-2 at the break before six goals in the third quarter sealed the victory. A similar performance tonight and Virginia will be off to its best start in 33 years.