Following two straight away games, Virginia women’s lacrosse returned to Klöckner Stadium Saturday to take on an ACC foe in Louisville. The Cavaliers (9-4, 4-3 ACC) took care of business swiftly, dominating the Cardinals (6-8, 1-6 ACC) by a 17-3 margin.
The contest was also Virginia’s Senior Day, a celebration of the accomplishments of the Cavaliers’ longest tenured players. For senior goalkeeper Abby Jansen, the ceremony was a reminder of the importance of playing at home.
“It's definitely really sweet when we get to come and play at Klöckner,” Jansen said. “There are only a few weeks, few months left in the season. But Charlottesville is a special place, and I’m just trying to stay reminded about that every day on the practice field, and especially during games.”
Virginia’s quartet of talented sophomores were once again in the middle of all the action — and were often the ones starting it. Sophomore attackers Jenna DiNardo, Madison Alaimo and Addi Foster, along with sophomore midfielder Kate Galica, all tallied at least four points on the day. The incredible synergy of the Cavaliers’ attack was on full display.
Despite the firepower on the attacking side, Virginia’s defensive performance was just as impressive. The Cavaliers shut out Louisville for almost three consecutive quarters, but their high energy and schematic prowess didn’t end there — Virginia’s clear was the best it has been all season, providing the attack with ample opportunities. Coach Sonia LaMonica emphasized the defensive performance postgame.
“They played with a lot of fire, of love for each other,” LaMonica said. “And as a coach, you can't ask for more than that. So I'm just really proud of how they stepped out, how they competed, making the most of every moment.”
When the whistle for the first draw sounded, the Cavaliers wasted no time in stepping on the gas, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead. Within just a quarter of the contest, it was clear that Virginia had the advantage in terms of athleticism and speed of play, as the Cavaliers’ attacking unit found ample opportunity.
The Cardinals were able to pull two goals back near the end of the first quarter. However, a goal from DiNardo with less than a minute remaining in the period snuffed out any sort of momentum building for Louisville — a goal that secured DiNardo a first quarter hat trick.
The Cavaliers and Louisville traded goals to start the second quarter, but that served to be the Cardinals’ last score of the contest. Virginia pulled away quickly, and they were able to move the ball at will. As the score became more and more lopsided, LaMonica was able to sub in some less experienced players, to the elation of the Cavaliers’ sideline.
“As a coach, that's like a dream,” LaMonica said. “They care about making each other better, and so when you can infuse those players, get them out on the field so they can get more and more game experience, it’s going to help them.”
Virginia’s final three games of the season are extremely important ones, as it faces No. 7 Maryland, No. 1 Boston College and Virginia Tech. Getting a big win at home before taking on the gauntlet end-of-campaign schedule is essential for the Cavaliers’ confidence moving forward. DiNardo emphasized the significance of focus when it comes to these next couple matchups.
“The midweek game and the weekend are very important,” DiNardo said. “We have got to take care of our bodies, and, you know, primarily focus on recovery and getting the job done.”
Virginia will return to action Wednesday when it takes on the Terrapins at a neutral site. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on CSE Network.
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