Men’s Lacrosse: Nunes, Saustad garner weekly honors

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia first-year goalie Matthew Nunes has been named the ACC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week and defenseman Cade Saustad was named to USILA’s Team of the Week.

Nunes and Saustad helped hold North Carolina to its lowest goal total in a single game since 2006 after UVA defeated the Tar Heels 11-4 at Klöckner Stadium on this past Saturday.

Nunes, who collected his third ACC weekly honor, the most among all ACC players so far this season, made 14 saves in the Cavaliers’ second win over UNC this season. Nunes faced 18 shots on net to register a .778 save percentage. The Woodlands, Texas native made four saves in each of the game’s first three periods. Nunes also picked up three ground balls and forced a UNC turnover. He currently leads the ACC in goals-against average (10.45) and save percentage (.531) this season.

Saustad had two caused turnovers and picked up two ground balls to help UVA remain the only undefeated in ACC play so far this season. Saustad anchored a Cavaliers defensive unit that helped shut out UNC for 19:52, a span in which UVA scored five unanswered goals. The Virginia defense also forced 18 UNC turnovers, including five failed clear attempts by the Tar Heels.

Up next, No. 6 Virginia (8-2, 4-0 ACC) travels to No. 13/14 Duke (9-5, 1-2 ACC) on Thursday (April 14). Opening faceoff from Koskinen Stadium is set for 6 p.m. on ACC Network.