It's already April 9. That's the time some college students begin to think about graduation and many begin to worry about finals. For the Virginia women's lacrosse team, however, it is time to focus on the postseason.
The Cavaliers have already clinched a share of the ACC regular-season crown and also are assured of a bye in the ACC Tournament, which will be played in Charlottesville. Despite the team's accomplishments, the Cavaliers already are looking ahead to their seeding for the NCAA Tournament; Virginia coach Julie Myers and her team are not underestimating the importance of this afternoon's match against Georgetown in influencing their postseason position.
"[Myers] said after the [Boston College] game this is actually a huge game for us as far as postseason standings go," senior attacker and captain Megan O'Malley said. "So, we're really excited for it. With the end of our season coming up, we really want to end on a really strong note going in to the postseason."
No. 4 Virginia (10-2, 4-1 ACC) will face a strong test in the No. 6 Hoyas (8-3, 2-1 Big East). Despite losing 18-3 to No. 5 Syracuse last weekend, Georgetown holds a respectable 3-3 record against opponents currently ranked in the top 20 and recently played an undefeated and unanimous No. 1 Northwestern squad to a close decision.
"Georgetown is a very special opponent," senior defender and captain Claire Bordley said. "They just lost to Northwestern by a goal, so they're definitely a team to keep our eye out on. Not that many teams come that close to Northwestern; they're the kind of team that blows everyone out by 10 goals a game."
The 7-6 score of that contest and game film leads Virginia to expect another contest dominated by physical play and possession time, which they last saw against a Boston College squad the Cavaliers beat 12-4.
"They like to slow the ball down, too," Myers said of the Hoyas. "They're going to be really picky about when they go to goal so we need to make sure our defenders are pressuring out, that our slides are coming and that we're being smart. Again, our attackers need to capitalize so our defenders can play smart down on the other end of the field."
Success in this particular contest is not only significant for the postseason -- it also relates to the Cavaliers' quest for 400 victories. Entering the season, the Virginia women's lacrosse program had amassed 389 victories and with 10 on this season, it stands just one win away from that milestone mark. Myers has overseen 196 of those victories? as head coach of the Cavaliers since the 1996 season.?
Even with the possible distractions of postseason play and program achievements, the Cavaliers are focused on Georgetown, and only praise could be heard from Virginia about its upcoming opponent.
"Obviously we have a bunch of games still left," Myers said, "but to be matched up against Georgetown, who has had a great season so far, is going to be a big one."
Both team captain's reinforcing their coach's sentiments.
"Georgetown is having a great year," Bordley said. "This is always a big game for us"
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