Virginia women’s lacrosse traveled just southeast of Charlottesville to take on in-state rival Richmond Wednesday evening. Despite struggling offensively in the late second and early third quarters, the Cavaliers (4-2, 1-1 ACC) held onto a lead over the Spiders (2-4, 0-0 ACC) all game, pulling away late in the contest to secure the 14-9 victory.
Sophomore attackers Madison Alaimo and Jenna Dinardo led the way for Virginia with three goals apiece. Offensive output was well distributed, with four other players adding points to the board for the Cavaliers. Alaimo also contributed three assists, while sophomore midfielder Kate Galica once again dominated on the draw circle with eight draw controls.
While Virginia only had a slight edge over Richmond on the draw circle, outdoing them 15-12, the Cavaliers saw much greater opportunities on offense to connect with the goal cage — Virginia’s 34 shots nearly doubled the Spiders’ 19.
The Cavaliers found success early in operating its offense from behind the crease, taking an early 4-0 lead, but Richmond responded quickly on both sides of the ball. The Spiders were able to slow down Virginia’s offense and brought the game within one score.
As the first half closed out, the Cavaliers remained disciplined and continued to operate their offense through Alaimo and sophomore attacker Addi Foster. Virginia eventually broke away as the second quarter ended, scoring six goals in the period to Richmond’s two.
Yet this momentum would be halted, and the Cavaliers went scoreless for the first 12 minutes of the third quarter. Virginia struggled to turn quality looks into scores, missing five shots before senior attacker Kate Miller ended the scoring drought.
The Cavaliers entered the final quarter of action on the back foot. The Spiders began to face guard Alaimo, slowing Virginia’s offense down, and Richmond began to see more success on the draw circle.
However, a goal from eight meters out, courtesy of senior midfielder Abby Manalang, was just the momentum boost the Cavaliers needed. Manalang’s score was immediately followed by goals from Alaimo and Miller. This domino effect set allowed Virginia to earn a more comfortable lead and cruise to a five-point victory.
The fourth-quarter surge from the Cavaliers was promising, as their two losses on the season were the result of slow performances in the final quarters. With a tough schedule ahead —- featuring six teams that are currently ranked — their win against Richmond was a key momentum boost that will help carry them through the gauntlet that is an ACC women’s lacrosse schedule.
Proving capable of resurrecting an offensive rhythm late in the game against the Spiders should help Virginia enter Saturday’s game against No. 2 North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. with confidence. The game is set to start at 2:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACCNX.
Read More
Everything is bigger in Texas — except for lacrosse
By Sam Chun | 38 minutes agoVirginia men's lacrosse's five Texas natives never expected to play a college game in their home state.
No. 9 men’s golf holds steady for fourth-place finish at Southern Highlands Collegiate
By Ben McNiff | 14 hours agoVirginia showed improvement after a rocky start to the season a couple weeks ago.
Women’s basketball beats Pittsburgh, wins first ACC Tournament game since 2019
By Xander Tilock | 17 hours agoThe Cavaliers finally exorcised their ACC Tournament demons.
