Virginia women’s lacrosse defeated Pittsburgh at Klöckner Stadium Saturday by a 16-12 margin in the One Love and Youth Day game. The Cavaliers (7-3, 3-2 ACC) took an early lead against the Panthers (5-5, 1-4 ACC), and despite losing some momentum late into the second half, regained their rhythm to secure the victory.
The One Love Foundation was founded in honor of former Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love, who was killed as a result of an abusive relationship. The organization focuses on spreading awareness about recognizing signs of healthy versus unhealthy relationships.
“Because Yeardley went to U.Va., ever since you step on campus here, it’s really emphasized,” sophomore midfielder Kate Galica said. “It’s just a huge thing for all of us to be able to play for that and be able to raise money and spread awareness for this cause.”
Throughout the game, the Cavaliers’ offense was incredibly well-balanced, with nine different goalscorers contributing. Sophomore attackers Jenna DiNardo, Madison Alaimo and Addi Foster led the way, scoring three goals apiece. Alaimo also contributed six assists. Coach Sonia LaMonica highlighted the entire offense’s synergy as key to Virginia’s success.
“We talk about [having] seven threats out on the field,” LaMonica said. “I think we’ve got some youngsters that are really coming into their own … they’re just a tight-knit group on and off the field. They just do a great job of sharing the ball and playing together.”
The offense certainly played as a seven-person unit, finding success breaking down the Panthers’ zone defense early on through cuts and assisted goals. Ten of the Cavaliers’ 16 goals were assisted.
Four of those assisted goals came early on in the first quarter, where Virginia took off to take a 4-0 lead. The Cavaliers dominated the opening period, winning four of six draw controls and collapsing on Pittsburgh’s offense within the eight meter when the Panthers did have possession.
Things slowed down for Virginia, however, as Pittsburgh brought the game within two points at halftime. Galica continued to dominate on the draw circle, but the Panthers’ defense gave the Cavaliers more trouble.
Virginia brought in senior goalkeeper Abby Jansen for the second half and appeared regrouped on both sides of the ball. Alaimo took off in the second half, notching a hat trick in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal for the Cavaliers. Pittsburgh scored four goals in a row to close the game out, but Virginia had built up enough of a lead to keep the Panthers at bay. The Cavaliers emerged victorious in their third home win of the season.
“We responded in spurts,” LaMonica said. “I would have loved to see a little more consistency. However, this is a great win. We’re going to take this and keep moving forward.”
This home win against Pittsburgh, although not as dominant as Virginia may have hoped, adds to the momentum that the Cavaliers have been building after a crushing loss two weeks ago to No. 1 North Carolina — Virginia bounced back to take down No. 21 Duke and No. 11 James Madison. With Saturday’s win against the Panthers being its third win in a row, the Cavaliers have clearly found motivation from its loss to the Tar Heels. That will certainly help them continue through the gauntlet that is their remaining schedule.
Virginia will certainly need to focus on what it has ahead, as their schedule features three more teams ranked within the top 10 — including No. 2 Boston College, who are the reigning national champions. Next up, the Cavaliers will turn their focus to No. 9 Syracuse, who they will play Saturday at noon in Syracuse, N.Y.
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