Virginia women’s lacrosse had a fruitful start to its 2025 campaign at Klöckner Stadium Friday afternoon. The Cavaliers (1-0, 0-0 ACC) handily defeated Liberty (0-1, 0-0 C-USA) 20-5. Virginia will be glad to add its first game to the win column ahead of what should be a routinely tough schedule.
The eye-popping 20 goals were thanks to an extremely well-balanced attacking threat. Nine different Cavaliers got onto the scoresheet, with sophomore attacker Jenna Dinardo leading the charge with four scores — including a smooth behind-the-back finish early in the second quarter. Coach Sonia LaMonica emphasized the team’s offensive clinic.
“Obviously, we had scoring from lots of different individuals,” LaMonica said. “I think they all just work really well and gel really well together as a unit.”
In addition to Dinardo, freshman attacker Jayden Piraino, senior attacker Kate Miller and senior midfielder Abby Manalang all collected hat tricks. Piraino impressed fans in her regular-season debut and looks to be one of Virginia’s newest young stars. Miller, who is one of the Cavaliers’ most experienced players, appreciated Piraino’s skills on the offensive end.
“[Piraino] is awesome,” Miller said. “It's been really fun working with her, getting another lefty out on the field. I'm really proud of her. She stepped up, she was in the spots she needed to be … and she buried those shots.”
Although the offense was certainly firing on all cylinders, Virginia’s defensive performance was even more impressive. The Cavaliers fought tooth and nail for ground balls and did not allow many clear-cut chances for the Flames.
A big part of Virginia’s defensive success can be attributed to junior goalkeeper Mel Josephson, who was exceptionally solid in the net. She saved all but one of Liberty’s five free position attempts, but her shot-stopping ability was not the only part of her game that was on fire — her passing range and ability to be an outlet in the buildup were also crucial.
With Josephson barking orders at a disciplined defensive shape, the rest of the team was afforded a helpful cushion. LaMonica stressed the skillful performance put on by Josephson.
“[Josephson] made some amazing saves, amazing kick saves,” LaMonica said. “I think she stood on her head today. Liberty had some good opportunities there, and Mel did an amazing job.”
Virginia jumped out to an early 5-0 lead within the first quarter of the contest and never lost command of the game. The blowout victory bodes well for the rest of their season and is a nice confidence booster for the squad before the conference play begins.
If complete performances like Friday’s can be replicated, then the Cavaliers can hang with college lacrosse’s best, and fans at Klöckner Stadium will be better for it.
Virginia will hope to keep its winning momentum going when it travels to Princeton, N.J. to face No. 17 Princeton Saturday at noon.
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