SPORTS WRAP
The Week in Review
Best Milestone: Consistent winning is the minimum standard for the UVA lacrosse program; however, the men's 15-9 triumph over the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-6) at Klöckner Stadium Saturday, April 9 will take a unique place in the Cavs' storied history. Coach Dom Starsia earned his 138th victory (138-51, .730) to surpass former legend Jim "Ace" Adams (137-60, .695) and claim the program's record for the most overall wins.
"I'm humbled by the fact that I've been able to pass Jim Adams," Starsia told the Daily Progress after the third-ranked Wahoos improved to 8-1 on the season. "It's a credit to being here for a certain period of time and having great players and wonderful people to work with."
Worst potential debacle: Just a two weeks ago, Washington Wizards fans felt they could finally sit comfortably and enjoy the team's first ride to the playoffs in nearly a decade with a home-court advantage through the first round. But they lapsed into a six-game swoon that included wasting a 13-point fourth-quarter lead and 44 points from all-star Gilbert Arenas in a 112-106 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers (39-37) at the MCI Center Saturday, April 9.
Suddenly fighting for their playoff lives, the Wiz finally managed to stanch the bleeding by defeating the lowly Milwaukee Bucks (29-48) 119-112 Monday, April 11. "We need to start playing from the beginning, as soon as the jump ball," Arenas told the AP following the Philadelphia loss. "The starters need to come out and play for real. We need to stop somebody."
Worst internal disorder: The UVA men's baseball team may enjoy posting a solid overall record at 21-11, but they continue to struggle in the most vital games. The Hoos lost a three-game sweep at the hands of the North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill and returned home to drop to 5-8 in ACC play after the N.C. State Wolfpack (24-10, 7-8) won two of three weekend games at Klöckner. The Cavs manufactured just two runs over the entire series and were shut out 6-0 and 1-0 in both losses.
Best new ballplayers on the block: The Washington Nationals, Major League baseball's newest attraction, hold their own through the season's first week. The Nats (3-4) open by winning two of three road games over the Philadelphia Phillies (6-5) behind Jose Vidro's game winning home run in a 12-inning affair Thursday, April 7. "That's what we want to do... win the series," manager Frank Robinson told the AP. "It would've been disheartening if we lost."
Strongest steamroller: Even after 20 victories and a perfect record in conference play matches, the UVA men's tennis team (20-2, 8-0) shows no signs of fatigue. The Wahoos clinched the ACC championship with a convincing 5-2 victory over the hated Tar Heels Sunday, April 9.
Best explosion: Following last week's frustrating 16-12 setback at home against the Duke Blue Devils, the UVA women's lacrosse team (9-2) takes their anger to the road. The ladies throttle both Old Dominion (3-6) and Temple (5-4) by a combined score of 40-6.
The Week Ahead:
WASHINGTON NATIONALS NATIONAL
OPENING HOMESTAND
vs . Arizona Diamondbacks
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:05pm
Saturday, April 16 @ 7:05pm
Sunday, April 17 @ 1:05pm
vs. Florida Marlins
Monday, April 18 @ 7:05pm &
Tuesday, April 19 @ 7:05pm
vs. Atlanta Braves
Wednesday, April 20 @ 7:05pm &
Thursday, April 21 @ 1:05pm
Baseball in the spring finally returns to the nation's capital at RFK Stadium. Winning may not come easy, but D.C. fans are patient. Tickets available, but prices vary. Visit the team website for more information.
WIZARDS BASKETBALL
vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Friday, April 15 @ 8pm
vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Sunday, April 17 @ 1pm
Crucial home games that will determine Washington's playoff fate. Few tickets remain.
THIRD ANNUAL CHARLOTTESVILLE MARATHON
Saturday, April 16
Keep an eye out for some determined harriers making their way through town and country. Volunteers are always needed. 434-466-8016.
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