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women's lacrosse team overcame a seven-point deficit to defeat No. 13 Duke University 16-11 on March 15 at Klöckner Stadium. Key performances from Abby Manalang and Jenna DiNardo fueled the Cavaliers' victory.">
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No. 15 Virginia Completes Stunning Comeback, Upsets No. 13 Duke in Lacrosse Thriller
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In a stunning display of resilience, the No. 15 University of Virginia (UVA) women’s lacrosse team (5-3, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)) orchestrated a remarkable comeback victory against the No. 13 Duke University Blue Devils (6-3, 2-2 ACC) on Saturday, March 15, at Klöckner Stadium. Facing a daunting seven-point deficit, the Cavaliers rallied to secure a 16-11 win, fueled by outstanding performances from senior attacker Abby Manalang and sophomore attacker jenna DiNardo. The game, a crucial ACC matchup, showcased two halves of contrasting fortunes.
The game, a crucial ACC matchup, showcased two halves of contrasting fortunes. Duke dominated the first half, building a considerable lead, while Virginia responded wiht an explosive second-half performance that left the Blue Devils reeling. The Cavaliers’ tenacity and strategic adjustments proved decisive in turning the tide and securing the hard-fought victory.
Blue Devils Surge Early, Cavaliers Answer with Force
Duke came out firing on all cylinders, establishing a commanding 6-0 lead in the first quarter, leaving the Virginia offense struggling to find its rhythm. The Cavaliers were held scoreless for the entire first period, a testament to Duke’s stifling defense and efficient offensive execution. Sophomore midfielder Kate Galica finally broke the drought for Virginia, scoring 36 seconds into the second quarter.Though, Duke quickly responded with two more goals, extending their lead to 8-1 with 10 minutes and 52 seconds remaining in the first half. This marked the largest lead of the game for the Blue Devils, seemingly putting them in firm control.
As the first half drew to a close, Duke maintained a agreeable 9-3 advantage. Manalang managed to score with 23 seconds left in the period, reducing the deficit to 9-4 heading into the break. While the goal provided a glimmer of hope for Virginia, they still faced a meaningful challenge to overcome Duke’s strong performance.
Second-Half Surge Propels Virginia to Victory
The second half was a different story altogether. Sophomore attacker Addi Foster ignited the Cavalier offense just 32 seconds into the period, setting the stage for an unusual comeback. This marked the first of four goals for the Cavaliers in the opening 3 minutes and 30 seconds of the period, signaling a dramatic shift in momentum. Another goal by Foster brought Virginia within one point, 9-8, with 11 minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The energy in Klöckner Stadium shifted palpably as the Cavaliers chipped away at Duke’s lead.
Manalang then tied the game at 10-10 with 5 minutes and 49 seconds left in the third, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Galica followed up with a goal 90 seconds later,giving UVA its first lead of the game. A free position goal by DiNardo in the final minute capped off a remarkable 10-goal quarter for the Cavaliers, who entered the fourth with a 14-10 lead.Virginia’s offensive explosion and defensive adjustments completely turned the game around, leaving Duke struggling to respond.
Freshman Gabby LaVerghetta added to the Cavaliers’ momentum, scoring her first career goal 4 minutes and 39 seconds into the fourth quarter, extending UVA’s lead to 15-10. This goal capped off what ultimately became a 7-0 scoring run for Virginia, further solidifying their control of the game.
Both teams managed to score once more in the fourth quarter, but neither team found the net in the final 7 minutes and 26 seconds of the game. Virginia held on to secure the 16-11 victory, completing an improbable comeback that showcased their resilience and determination.
Coach LaMonica Praises Team’s Grit and Determination
Following the game, Virginia head coach Sonia LaMonica praised her team’s grit and belief, especially highlighting their performance in the pivotal third quarter.
duke’s a great team. We knew that coming in. This is a key matchup. We obviously got off this very slow start in the first quarter. I think this game really was a testament to the grit and the belief that our group had, particularly in that third quarter when we came out of halftime.We were missing fire in the beginning of the game. They showed the fire in that second half. I’m really proud of how they stepped up collectively.sonia LaMonica, Virginia Head Coach
LaMonica also acknowledged standout performances from several players, including Abby Jansen, Madison Alaimo, and Kate Galica.
obviously had some standout play. we’re really proud of Abby Jansen, who came in and was a spark for us in goal today. As well as Madison Alaimo, who saw a face guard, but still put up six assists today. And Kate Galica on the draws, she really dominated. That positioned us well to be able to come from behind, and forge forward in a great, great win today. Abby Manalang had a heck of a day. She was a spark, I think, for our team’s momentum coming out of the half. That’s what you look for in your upperclassmen. She’s a fourth year for us, and she really helped lead in that aspect.Sonia LaMonica, Virginia Head Coach
LaMonica also credited assistant coach Caylee Waters for igniting a fire under the team during the second quarter.
So amazing game and outcome. I have to shout out Caylee Waters, our assistant coach here, who brought really strong emotion as we got into the game. Down into that second quarter, she really lit a fire under their butts. And it worked. And you know, Caylee has a lot of heart.She really led with that, and I think the team responded. And that taught us as coaches that maybe we need to bring more fire to this younger group this year, and they’re going to respond. So that was maybe a bit of a breakthrough for us.Sonia LaMonica, Virginia Head Coach
Key stats and Game Highlights
- Virginia outshot Duke 21-5 in the second half, demonstrating their offensive dominance after halftime.
- Duke struggled on free-position shots,going 0-for-8.
- Kate Galica scored four goals with an assist, achieving a career-high five points.
- Galica won 11 draw controls for the Cavaliers, marking her fifth game this season with double-digit draw controls.
- Madison Alaimo tied a career high with six assists.
- Abby Manalang also had an assist, giving her a career-high five points, and won four draw controls.
- Addi Foster scored three goals, recording her third hat trick of the season.
- Abby Jansen made five saves,allowing three goals,earning her first win since her sophomore season.
- Duke’s two goalkeepers combined for nine saves.
- Virginia’s 10 goals in the third quarter were the moast scored by the team in one period since scoring 11 in the second quarter against stanford on Feb. 27, 2022.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers will travel to Harrisonburg, Va., to face No. 14 James Madison University (JMU) on Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. They will then return home to host the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) on Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m.
the victory over Duke provides a significant boost for Virginia as they continue their ACC schedule. the Cavaliers will look to build on their momentum and continue their climb in the national rankings.
Lacrosse Upset! Virginia’s Stunning Comeback Victory Over Duke: An Expert Analysis
Did you know that a seven-goal deficit in women’s collegiate lacrosse can be overcome with the right strategy, grit, and a phenomenal third quarter? This unbelievable comeback by the University of Virginia Cavaliers against the Duke Blue devils proves that anything is absolutely possible on the field.
Interviewer: dr. Emily Carter, esteemed sports analyst and author of “The Art of the comeback: Strategic Analysis in Collegiate Lacrosse,” welcome to World-Today-News.com. Virginia’s victory over Duke was nothing short of breathtaking. Can you break down the key factors that contributed to this stunning upset?
Lacrosse Upset! Unpacking Virginia’s Stunning Comeback Victory Over Duke: An Expert Interview
Did you know that a seven-goal deficit in women’s collegiate lacrosse can be overcome? The University of Virginia’s improbable victory over Duke proves the power of resilience and strategic adjustments in high-stakes competition.
Interviewer: Dr. Emily Carter, esteemed sports analyst and author of “The Art of the Comeback: Strategic Analysis in Collegiate Lacrosse,” welcome to World-Today-News.com. Virginia’s victory over Duke was nothing short of breathtaking. Can you break down the key factors that contributed to this stunning upset?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Virginia’s win over Duke showcases a classic exmaple of how a team can overcome a significant deficit through a combination of factors. The initial seven-goal hole certainly presented a monumental challenge, but the Cavaliers’ ability to adapt and execute a strategic shift in their game plan in the second half proved decisive. This wasn’t just about individual talent; it was about team cohesion and a profound belief in their ability to achieve victory.
The power of the Second-Half Surge: A Strategic Analysis
Interviewer: The second half was undeniably pivotal. What specific strategic adjustments did Virginia make to turn the tide? How did these adjustments impact Duke’s performance?
Dr. Carter: The Cavaliers’ success in the second half can be attributed to several key strategic alterations. First, there was a noticeable enhancement in their offensive execution. They employed faster transitions, more effective ball movement, and capitalized on duke’s defensive lapses. This led to a rapid increase in scoring and, consequently, a significant swing in momentum. Crucially, Virginia altered their defensive approach, disrupting Duke’s rythm and forcing turnovers. This defensive improvement, coupled with their enhanced offensive capabilities, effectively neutralized Duke’s earlier dominance. The pressuring of Duke’s key players and a focus on disrupting their passing lanes seemed key to changing the narrative. the team displayed unbelievable mental fortitude, refusing to let the initial deficit define their performance. In high-pressure situations, maintaining a confident, focused mindset can sometimes be the most important element of success.
Key Players and Their Contributions to the Historic Upset
Interviewer: Several players stood out during the game. Can you highlight their specific contributions and the impact they had on the team’s overall performance? What roles did these stand-out players play in orchestrating the comeback?
Dr. Carter: Several players deserve recognition for their extraordinary performances. Abby Manalang and Jenna DiNardo’s offensive contributions were instrumental in igniting the comeback, injecting crucial energy into the team and inspiring their teammates to match their intensity. Kate Galica’s dominance in draw controls played a pivotal role in giving the Cavaliers increased possession time and opportunity.Madison Alaimo’s assists and Kate Galica’s ability to win draw controls were paramount in creating scoring opportunities. This, combined with Abby Jansen’s improved goaltending in the second half, were key elements of Virginia’s victory.The collective effort of these players, coupled with the overall team dynamic, underscores the importance of cohesive teamwork in overcoming adversity.
lessons Learned from Virginia’s Comeback Win: takeaways for Players and Coaches
Interviewer: What lessons can other collegiate lacrosse teams, both players and coaches, learn from Virginia’s remarkable comeback?
Dr. Carter: Virginia’s victory offers several invaluable lessons for aspiring lacrosse players and coaches. Firstly, never give up. Even when facing a substantial deficit, maintaining hope and determination can be the catalyst for an incredible turnaround. Secondly,strategic adaptability is crucial. Analyzing weaknesses in the opponent’s game and adjusting one’s own strategy is essential for successfully turning the tide of the game. The importance of halftime adjustments and addressing specific weaknesses in the opponent’s game deserves specific emphasis.Thirdly, teamwork and collective effort are indispensable. the Cavaliers’ success highlights the power of relying on one another and leveraging each player’s unique strengths to achieve a collective victory.
Interviewer: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expert insights. This analysis provides incredible value for lacrosse enthusiasts and strategists alike.
Final Thoughts: Virginia’s stunning upset victory over Duke serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of resilience and well-orchestrated strategic adjustment. Share your thoughts and comments on this thrilling lacrosse match below!
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