SPORTS WRAP
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Worst Draw: Unlike the regular season, the NCAA basketball tournament is often seen as a battle between the best 64 teams in America on a neutral court. But Coach Debbie Ryan's UVA women's basketball (21-11) team might claim that their season ended with one unnecessary road game.
After defeating in-state rival Old Dominion in the first round March 19, the Lady Cavaliers' fell to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, March 21, playing on the Gophers' home floor behind a rowdy Minneapolis crowd. Despite a career night (20 points) from freshman Sharnee Zoll, UVA fell behind by double digits in the second half and never recovered.
"I've got teammates in the locker room who are crying," Zold told the AP, "so I didn't play well enough."
Highest Expectations: Despite a slow start, the UVA men's lacrosse team rolls to a sixth consecutive victory as they overpower 19th-ranked Towson 14-3 at Klöckner Stadium March 19. Despite 14 goals, coach Dom Starsia told the Daily Progress, "I don't think offensively we're playing the way we are capable of yet." Despite a stellar 6-0 start, the Cavs have been plagued with injuries on their front line, but Starsia hopes the Wahoos are headed for their second national championship in three years.
Strongest early statements: The Albemarle boys' soccer and girls' softball teams each make major statements to open their seasons March 19. As the spring season gets under way, the CHS Black Knights enjoy the most press as they return fresh off their state championship run last season. In a local showdown at AHS, the Knights opened a 1-0 lead, but soon succumbed to a ferocious second-half AHS charge as the Patriots rallied to a 2-1 victory.
Meanwhile on the diamond, the Lady Patriots forestalled the dreadful 0-5 2004 season start as they traveled to Western Albemarle to slaughter the Warriors 11-0 in their season opener. (AHS did manage to recover last year and win 13 of their final 14 games.)
Hottest Team in Town: UVA baseball just won't quit. The team continues a phenomenal home stand with their ninth straight victory to improve to 17-6 overall this season. Even better, the Cavs charge through the ACC standings after an 0-3 start with three hard-fought weekend wins over the Maryland Terrapins. (10-10, 3-6) "This was a pivotal win for us," UVA coach Brian O'Conner told virginiasports.com following the Cavs' 5-2 victory March 20. "Any time you get a chance to sweep an ACC series at home, it's huge."
The Week Ahead:
UVA BASEBALL
vs. VIRGINIA TECH @ Blacksburg
Friday, March 25 @ 7pm
Saturday, March 26 @ 7pm
Sunday, March 27 @ 2pm
vs. VMI
Wednesday, March 30 @ 7pm
After a two-week home stand, can the Cavs continue their winning ways on the road against their arch-rival? Home tickets vs. VMI, $6 adult, $4 youth/senior.
WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Vs. PRINCETON
Saturday, March 26 @ 1pm
vs. JMU @ Harrisonburg
Wednesday, March 30 @ 7pm
UVA may have lost their #1 ranking, but the Wahoos rebounded to earn a 11-5 road victory over the fourth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels Saturday, March 19. Fans can enjoy a classic showdown with Princeton at Klöckner, and then follow the ladies to Harrisonburg as they take on their instate rival, JMU. Home tickets: $6 adult, $4 youth/senior.
UVA MEN'S TENNIS
vs. WILLIAM & MARY
Thursday, March 31 @ 3:30pm
Have a free spring afternoon? Check out the second-best team in America as they host William & Mary at the UVA tennis courts. Free.
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