NCAA Preview: No. 7 Virginia
by Patrick Stevens | Special to Lacrosse Magazine
Online
The February issue of Lacrosse Magazine features an extensive NCAA lacrosse preview, from Division I through Division III, plus in-depth features on the top-ranked Syracuse men and the snake-bitten Cal women. Lacrosse Magazine Online (laxmagazine.com) examines the key players, strengths, weaknesses, best- and worst-case scenarios, sleepers, what's new, what's not and rival coaches' takes on each of the top 10-ranked teams in Division I men's and women's lacrosse.
MEN: 10 COR | 9 HOF | 8 DUKE | 7 UND | 6 PTON | 5 MD | 4 SB | 3 UNC | 2 UVA | 1 CUSE
WOMEN: 10 UND | 9 JMU | 8 PENN | 7 UVA | 6 GTOWN | 5 CUSE | 4 DUKE | 3 UNC | 2 NW | 1 MD
NO. 7 VIRGINIA
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Josie Owen (pictured) and Ainsley Baker missed the end
of last season with knee injuries. Both are healthy and ready to
contribute for Virginia. © Matt Riley |
Head Coach: Julie Myers
Conference: ACC
2010 Records: 14-6, 4-1
2011 Opener: Saturday, Feb. 19 at Loyola |
Schedule
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KEY PLAYERS
A Ainsley Baker (Jr.)
One of three players the Cavaliers lost to ACL tears last season,
Baker scored 15 goals in nine games before missing the final half
of the season.
D Liz Downs (Sr.)
The three-year starter will anchor the defense after causing 17
turnovers last season. “She’s awesome,” Myers
said. “She’s playing the best she’s ever
played.”
A Charlie Finnigan (Jr.)
The native of England had 34 goals and 15 assists last year.
“She’s dynamic and her hands are phenomenal,”
Myers said.
One of five 30-goal scorers a season ago for the Cavaliers, she’ll be asked to be the top offensive threat from the midfield
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STRENGTHS
• Experienced veteran pillars on attack, midfield and
defense
• The prospect of balance if everyone is healthy
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WEAKNESSES
• Uncertainty on draw controls, at least entering the
season
• With the loss of three 50-point scorers, it could take time
for players to acclimate to larger roles
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BEST CASE
A well-rounded offense produces several 30-goal scorers and the Cavaliers advance to their first final four since 2007.
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WORST CASE
Injuries strike again and stunt the team’s development, leaving the Cavaliers well behind Maryland and North Carolina in the ACC’s pecking order.
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SLEEPER
M Lauren Goerz (Fr.)
One of the top recruits California ever attracted before the fall
announcement its program would be discontinued, she is a rare
freshman transfer into Virginia.
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RIVAL COACH'S TAKE
"With the tragedy and everything, I think this is likely to be a challenging year for them."
"They're rebounding from a lot more than last year's season. They're rebounding from their loss. I think that could help make them a closer, tighter team. I'm sure they'll be back in the hunt this year."
"With only three seniors, the Cavs need to find their flow, but talented rookies could prove the perfect compliment."
WHAT'S NEW?
Virginia will need to find a new primary draw control specialist with the graduation of Brittany Kalkstein.
WHAT'S NOT?
The Cavaliers’ four primary starters on defense all return this season, including two seniors and two juniors.
15
Consecutive NCAA tournament appearances for the Cavaliers, including seven final four appearances
