Women’s Golf: UVA in third place after two rounds at ACC Championship
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
The Virginia women’s golf team is in third place following the opening two rounds of play at the 2025 ACC Championship in Greensboro, N.C. The Cavaliers shot a combined 1-under 575.
Virginia was led by senior Amanda Sambach who shot 1-under 71 on her first round and followed up with a 4-under 68 in the second. Sambach finished the day in a tie for fourth place with a 36-hole score of 5-under 139. Megan Propeck also finished the opening two rounds inside the top 10 in a tie for seventh at 1-under 143.
Rebecca Skoler sits in 12th place after shooting 1-over 145. Jaclyn LaHa and Chloe Schiavone are each tied for 43rd shooting 7-over 151.
A trio of Cavaliers carded eagles in the first round as Propeck and Schiavone each eagled on hole 5 (Par 5) while LaHa recorded an eagle on hole 15 (Par 5).
Play resumes with the final round of stroke play on Thursday. The Cavaliers will be paired with Florida State and Stanford for the final round and are set to tee off beginning at 9:40 a.m. The top six teams from stroke play will advance to match play on Friday.
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, N.C.
Par 72, 6,092 yards
TEAM RESULTS
1. Stanford 282-279-561 (-15)
2. Florida State 284-280-564 (-12)
3. Virginia 290-285-575 (-1)
T4. Wake Forest 292-291-583 (+7)
T4. North Carolina 296-287-583 (+7)
6. California 294-293-587 (+11)
7. Louisville 301-288-589 (+13)
8. Clemson 298-297-595 (+19)
9. Virginia Tech 303-293-596 (+20)
T10. NC State 302-298-600 (+24)
T10. Boston College 297-303-600 (+24)
12. Miami 307-295-602 (+26)
13. Notre Dame 306-298-604 (+28)
14. Duke 305-301-606 (+30)
15. SMU 305-310-615 (+39)
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
1. Andrea Revuelta, Stanford 67-67-134 (-10)
2. Lottie Woad, Florida State 69-66-135 (-9)
3. Mirabel Ting, Florida State 66-70-136 (-8)
T4. Paula Martin Sampedro, Stanford 71-68-139 (-5)
T4. Constance Fouillet, California 70-69-139 (-5)
T4. Amanda Sambach, Virginia 71-68-139 (-5)
T7. Megan Propeck, Virginia 72-71-143 (-1)
T7. Ing Iadpluem, North Carolina 69-74-143 (-1)
T7. Marie Madsen, NC State 72-71-143 (-1)
VIRGINIA RESULTS
T4. Amanda Sambach 71-68-139
T7. Megan Propeck 72-71-143
12. Rebecca Skoler 74-71-145
T43. Chloe Schiavone 73-78-151
T43. Jaclyn LaHa 76-75-151
UVA shopping for a CB, and Fresno’s Neal is visiting today
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo by Nikolozi Khutsishvili
The NCAA football portal opens up again today and Virginia is wasting no time taking advantage of the opportunity.
UVA will host former Fresno State cornerback Julian Neal today as Tony Elliott looks to beef up his secondary. Neal is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound corner, ranked the No. 4 cornerback in the 247Sports portal rankings and the No. 70 overall player in the portal.
Elliott told media following Virginia’s spring game last Saturday that he hoped to strengthen the Cavaliers’ secondary, and Neal would be a good place for UVA to start.
“We know what we’ve got to address and we’re going to attack it hard,” Elliott said. “We’re really trying to attack the back end of the secondary in the next portal window and if we can do that, we’re going to put together a roster that is much more competitive and deeper than what we’ve had since we’ve been here as a staff.”
Neal, who is coming off a visit to Syracuse, has been contacted by numerous schools, including Florida State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Auburn, USC, Kentucky and Arkansas. He played at Fresno the past four seasons but appeared in a total of seven games in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he played in 11 games, made nine tackles (seven solo), and two tackles for loss. As a fourth-year this past season, the San Francisco native started four games for Fresno, played in all 12 and posted 35 tackles (22 solo), five for loss, one sack, two interceptions and defended six passes.
Neal actually transferred to Stanford in December, but backed out of that commitment once Troy Taylor was fired as head coach and replaced by Frank Reich.
Cornerback, one of the premium positions in the portal, is a position of need for Virginia with starter Kempton Shine out of eligibility and another starter, Jam Jackson, suffering a knee injury near the end of spring practice. Elliott said scans may have detected ligament damage, but that won’t be determined until later this week.
“They’re going to take another week, kind of let them rehab a little bit and then reassess,” the coach said. “I’ll know more in about a week and a half, two weeks.”
Elliott is short on numbers at corner with junior Dre Walker returning. The Cavaliers brought in only one corner from the portal during the winter, Ja’son Prevard, who played at Morgan State last season.
Elliott said his staff could also be looking to add another offensive lineman and another running back during the current portal opening.
Liberty completes season sweep with 10-3 win over Virginia
By Colin Moore
JerryRatcliffe.com correspondent
Photo: UVA Athletics
The Virginia baseball team was defeated for the second time this season by Liberty, as the Flames registered a 10-3 victory on Tuesday night at Disharoon Park.
Liberty’s bats got warm in the second inning and remained hot the entirety of the game, tallying eight RBI and 10 runs on 10 hits. UVA’s bullpen did what it could as Brian O’Connor pitched seven guys trying to find some rhythm.
Kevin Jaxel earned the start in Tuesday’s matchup but only pitched one complete inning before giving up two runs on three hits. Wes Harrington performed the best on the mound as he went three innings with three strikeouts, and gave up one run on four hits.
Unfortunately for the Hoos, they also struggled behind the plate, only earning three runs on six total hits.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Flames opened up the scoring in the second inning from a two-run homer from Tucker Moore. Moore ended up having a fantastic night at the plate, going 3 for 5 with the home run and 3 RBI. The Cavaliers evened the score in the bottom of the inning from a solo shot to right-center field from Antonio Perrotta to lead off the inning. Later, James Nunnallee tallied the second RBI for the Hoos by hitting a shot up the middle.
The Flames opened up the lead with a massive grand slam to center field from John Simmons in the third to gain momentum. Liberty went on to add three more runs in the fourth inning, securing a 9-2 lead.
Both teams managed to score one more run each in the ninth to finish with a final score of 10-3.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
- Perrotta’s home run in the second was the second dinger of his career and his first since March 16, 2024 against Wake Forest.
- Henry Ford extended his on-base streak to 19 games on Tuesday with a walk in the third inning.
- Wes Arrington made his 16th relief appearance of the season to lead all Cavalier bullpen arms.
- Despite the defeat, Virginia leads the all-time series 44-24-1 over Liberty.
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers face off against No.7 Florida State in a three-game series in Tallahassee, beginning Thursday at 7 p.m.
Softball: Cavaliers post 6-0 midweek shutout against Highlanders
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
The Cavalier pitching staff came through again on Tuesday as No. 25 Virginia shut out Radford for a 6-0 victory at Palmer Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cavaliers (31-13) got on the board in the first inning with a fielder’s choice to first with two outs from Macee Eaton with two outs as Kelly Ayer scored from third.
The Hoos continued the scoring in the third inning, pushing three more runs across the plate. It started with a double ripped down the third base line from Bella Cabral that scored Jade Hylton and left two in scoring position. Two batters later, MC Eaton doubled off the wall in left center to bring home Ayer and Cabral and the Hoos led 4-0.
Virginia added a run in the fourth on a sac from Kailyn Jones and another in the fifth on a single through the left side from Sydney Hartgove for the final 6-0 margin of victory.
Eden Bigham (12-7) picked up the win, working 4.0 innings, limiting Radford (24-21) to two hits with a walk and two strikeouts.
Abby Peace (1-4) took the loss as she allowed six runs on 11 hits with a walk and two strikeouts.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Macee Eaton continues to climb the single-season RBI list with 52 and is two shy of tying for the second spot overall set by Sara Larquier (54 RBI in 2005).
- The shutout was the third for the Cavaliers in the last four games as Virginia also posted two shutouts in last weekend’s series win over Syracuse.
FROM ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH JEFF TYLKA
“The hitters have been doing a really good job of putting together quality at bats, making sure they get pitches in the zone – things they can do damage with, and then when someone makes a mistake we’re taking advantage of it. We appreciate the energy and effort from the offense, defense and the pitching staff continues to just put zeros on the board, which gives us a chance as an offense to figure things out.”
UP NEXT
Virginia returns to action on Thursday night in the opening game of a three-game series against Louisville. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.
Men’s Golf: Hoos close regular season with second-place finish at Birdwood
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Despite battling high winds for most of the round, No. 11 Virginia posted the best team round of the day on its way to a second-place finish at the Fourth Annual Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Tournament. Both Josh Duangmanee and Ben James tied for second on the individual leaderboard at 3-under.
The Cavaliers started the day trailing Florida State by 16 strokes and a final round 287 (+3) narrowed the gap to five by days end. The Seminoles captured their second-straight Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Tournament crown and junior Luke Clanton defended his individual title by edging Duangmanee and James by two strokes.
Duangamanee posted a 68 in fierce conditions at Birdwood Golf Club and was the only player in the field to shoot in the 60s on Tuesday. Only two other golfers, Maryland’s Emil Riegger and Arkansas’ Mark Stockdale were under par over the final 18 holes. The 68 for Duangmanee matched his second-lowest round of the season and was his eighth round in the 60s in 2024-25.
James was paired with Clanton in all three rounds of the tournament and put the pressure on over the final stretch. James birdied two of the last three holes and had a bunker shot nearly fall for birdie on the 18th. The third-year managed a final round 73 despite five bogeys and a double bogey on the day. Clanton hung on with a 76 on Tuesday that included a double bogey on 18.
Five Cavaliers finished in the top-20 including freshman Maxi Puregger who carded a final round 72 (+1) en route to a t-19th finish competing as an individual. Bryan Lee (+2 – 71-69-75) and Deven Patel (+2 – 72-70-73) also finished in a tie for 19th.
The Cavaliers have concluded regular season action and will compete at the ACC Championships April 24-28 at The Club at Olde Stone.
All-Time Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Tournament Team Champions
2022: Virginia (-18, 837)
2023: Florida State (-41, 811)
2024: Tennessee (-27, 825)
2025: Florida State (-13, 839)
All-Time Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Tournament Individual Medalists
2022: Spencer Cross, Tennessee (-12, 201)
2023: Ben James, Virginia & Cole Anderson, Florida State (-11, 202)
2024: Luke Clanton, Florida State (-15, 198)
2025: Luke Clanton, Florida State (-5, 208)
TEAM RESULTS
1. Florida State 267-274-298 (-13)
2. Virginia 281-276-287 (-8)
3. Northwestern 278-280-294 (E)
4. Liberty 280-286-292 (+6)
5. Clemson 280-287-293 (+8)
6. Arkansas 286-285-293 (+12)
7. FGCU 279-290-306 (+23)
8. Texas State 282-290-306 (+26)
9. Maryland 283-296-301 (+28)
10. Toledo 288-290-305 (+31)
11. Loyola-Maryland 294-286-306 (+34)
12. North Florida 287-294-311 (+40)
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
T2. Josh Duangmanee 69-73-68 (-3)
T2. Ben James 69-68-73 (-3)
T19. Deven Patel 72-70-73 (+2)
T19. Bryan Lee 71-69-75 (+2)
T19. Maxi Puregger* 69-74-72 (+2)
T23. Paul Chang 74-69-73 (+3)
T25. Matt Monastero* 68-71-78 (+4)
T32. Benny Haggin* 72-68-78 (+5)
T32. Sam O’Hara* 70-68-80 (+5)
* Competing as an individual
‘Jerry & Jerry:’ Basketball continues to dominate the news cycle
Our massive audience, which seems to grow each week, is basketball crazy for the time being, so host Jerry Miller and Hall of Famer Jerry Ratcliffe spent most of Tuesday morning’s live show sorting out questions about the transfer portal as new head coach Ryan Odom builds Virginia’s new roster.
They also addressed the new reseating policy at JPJ and talked about how that might impact the program. Tons of great comments and questions from our audience during a lively hour of discussion.
The Jerry & Jerry Show headlines:
How Do You Grade Odom’s Roster Right Now?
Is Current Roster An Upgrade vs Last Year?
Kyle Guy Will Coach At University Of Nevada
Elijah Saunders To Maryland, TJ Power To Penn
Elijah Gertrude Only Returning Scholarship Player
Will Chance Mallory Be The Starting Point Guard?
Why Did Duke Miles Commit To UVA Then Leave?
UVA Spring Football Game: What Stood Out?
Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air
Follow The Jerry & Jerry Show on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-i-love-cville-show-with-jerry-miller/id1473278344
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The Jerry & Jerry Show airs live Tuesday from 10:15 am – 11:15 pm on The I Love CVille Network.
Watch and listen to The Jerry & Jerry Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible and iLoveCVille.com.
UVA celebrates the legendary Ralph Sampson
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photos by Jon Golden
One might wonder how to honor a man as successful as Ralph Sampson, whose mother Sarah’s house in Harrisonburg is filled with trophies, plaques, and memorabilia from an illustrious basketball career — but, more importantly, with her son’s degree from the University of Virginia.
Sunday, on his mom’s birthday, with her in attendance, and also on the anniversary of Ralph’s official recruiting visit — yes, that one, when “Ralph’s House” was painted in big bold letters on the rooftop of University Hall — UVA paid tribute to Sampson’s career and lifelong contributions to the institution.
A gathering of some of his 400 closest friends, family, former teammates and coaches were regaled in colorful accounts of Sampson’s basketball deeds, including 3-time college National Player of the Year (Bill Walton was the only other to accomplish the feat), and both the Naismith and College Basketball Halls of Fame.
The school presented him a prestigious commemorative portrait of Ralph, by FM Morgan, with Sampson posing in his old room (No. 6) on The Lawn. It will hang forever in a special spot at the university.
More than a portrait was unveiled, as former teammates and admirers from as far back as Harrisonburg High School to UVA to the NBA shared stories of the big man’s greatness. When Sampson was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, none other than Magic Johnson, while presenting Ralph for the honor, described having never seen a big man with Sampson’s overall skill, that he was the NBA’s unicorn.
Cory Alexander, who grew up idolizing Sampson and later played at UVA and in the NBA before becoming a TV hoops analyst, pointed out that during a recent game he was calling, his broadcast partner commented that basketball hasn’t seen a big man with the skill of present-day player Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs). Alexander knew better and reminded the audience that many might remember Ralph Sampson.
Marc Iavaroni, who played seven years in the NBA and later coached, credited Sampson for helping him take that step. Iavaroni had already left Virginia and had been playing professionally in Italy and was between careers. He was thinking about getting into coaching, returned to UVA where Coach Terry Holland asked him to practice against Sampson to toughen up the young phenom.
Sampson came to UVA with a 7-foot-4 frame, but weighed only 198 pounds, something that strength coach John Gamble (who was in attendance Sunday), quickly corrected, putting 17 pounds of pure muscle on the lanky big man by his sophomore season.
“I appreciate Iavaroni,” Sampson said. “He made me a better player. He beat me up every day.”
Iavaroni said that if Holland hadn’t come up with that idea and if Sampson hadn’t accepted him as a practice partner, Iavaroni would never have taken that next step to the NBA.
Iavaroni shared a couple of stories, noting that in his first pro game against Sampson (Houston Rockets) at the Spectrum against Iavaroni’s 76ers, Sampson dropped in 20 points, an average game for Ralph, who scored 21 points and 12 rebounds his rookie year when he was unanimously voted the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.
“But the next time we played Ralph was in Houston, and just to let you know what a quick learner Ralph was, he dropped 41 on us,” said Iavaroni, who was surrounded by a few Hall of Famers on Philadelphia’s roster.
“Thank God for YouTube,” Iavaroni said. “I look back and watched Ralph play and I mean, ‘you played hard, Ralph.’ Maybe it’s because I’m comparing it to the NBA of today, those guys making good money and providing a lot of entertainment, but it’s not even close to how hard Ralph played. People might not remember that, but go back and go on YouTube.
“A lot of people would have just relied on their talent, and Ralph never did. He brought it every single night and he brought it to every single practice at UVA.”
Wally Walker, who starred at Virginia prior to Sampson’s arrival, had already been in the NBA and won world championships prior to Ralph being the No. 1 draft pick by Houston. Walker was Ralph’s teammate on the Rockets that rookie year and wasn’t a fan of coach Bill Fitch, who didn’t play Walker much that season.
In fact, Walker and Sampson were in the starting Rockets lineup in Ralph’s debut. Walker went 7 for 10 shooting that night, he chuckles, about a month before Fitch “decided I should never play an NBA game again.”
“Because I wasn’t playing much, I had a great seat for 82 games, watching Ralph play,” Walker said. “The NBA wasn’t as popular or prosperous then as it is now, and I fear that people have forgotten a little bit. I’m glad Cory made reference to Wembanyama (and Sampson) because that’s the right comparison. I worry that people have forgotten how great this man (Sampson) was as an NBA player.”
Walker, who later became president and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, said he struggled to describe the pride he had when playing in the NBA and watching what Ralph did for Virginia basketball.
“To know that he had brought us to a place where we were in every conversation about being the best in the country was amazing,” Walker said. “Three-time national player of the year — that will never happen again.”
Iavaroni said he was often asked by NBA teammates about Sampson.
“In fact, I always got introduced as a role player, playing alongside four future Hall of Famers in Philadelphia, and every time I would score a point or started a game [the TV/radio announcers] would always say, ‘he worked with Ralph Sampson.’ I was like, well, you can’t get a better introduction than that.”
When he was hanging out with teammates on a road trip and they asked about Sampson, about practicing against him, Iavaroni always had a simplistic reply.
“I said, as good as he is as a player, he’s better as a person,” Iavaroni said.
Sampson was true to that on Sunday, recognizing practically everyone in the room, bringing up new UVA coach Ryan Odom, former women’s coach Debbie Ryan, former teammates Craig Robinson, Darren Cross, Ricky Stokes and Terry Gates, Ann Holland, recognizing John Gamble, Joe Gieck, sharing all his glory with those who meant so much to him in various stages of his story.
He quoted his mom, who told him, ‘if you’re going to do something, it’s got to mean something.’
Surrounding himself with those dear to him for the portrait unveiling, Sampson capsulized his life when he called them up on stage.
“It’s not about me … it’s about we.”
Men’s Golf: UVA in second place through 36 holes at Birdwood
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Hosting its lone tournament of the spring, the Virginia men’s golf team sits in second place after 36 holes of competition at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Tournament. Junior Ben James is in fifth place and is 5-under par after rounds of 69 and 68.
Paired with Florida State’s Luke Clanton (Florida State), the No. 1 player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and Arkansas John Daly II, James is five strokes off the lead after day one. Clanton has the grasp of the tournament’s overall lead at 10-under (66-66) while Daly is tied for 10th with at 3-under after a 73 and a 66.
Virginia had four individual participating in the event and three are in the top-16, headlined by Sam O’Hara at 4-under. Competing in just his third collegiate event, the sophomore shot a 70 in the morning followed by a career-low, 68 in the afternoon. He totaled 10 birdies between the two rounds, second-most of any player on Monday.
Also competing as an individual, Matthew Monastero is tied for 10th and is 3-under for the tournament. Monastero came out an fired a bogey-free, opening round 68, his first round in the 60s as a collegian. He carded 29 pars in two rounds, the most of any player in the field.
The Cavaliers had nine rounds in the 60s between its nine competitors which included a 68 from Benny Haggin in round two to match his career low. Haggin is tied for 16th and sits at 2-under.
The final round (18 holes) concludes on Tuesday with tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m. off holes No. 1 and 10. Admission to the tournament is free and open to the public.
TEAM RESULTS
1. Florida State 267-274 (-27)
2. Virginia 281-276 (-11)
3. Northwestern 278-280 (-10)
4. Liberty 280-286 (-2)
5. Clemson 280-287 (-1)
6. FGCU 279-290 (+1)
7. Arkansas 286-285 (+3)
8. Texas State 282-290 (+4)
9. Toledo 288-290 (+10)
10. Maryland 283-296 (+11)
11. Loyola 294-286 (+12)
12. North Florida 287-294 (+13)
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
5. Ben James 69-68 (-5)
T6. Sam O’Hara* 70-68 (-4)
T10. Matt Monastero* 68-71 (-3)
T16. Bryan Lee 71-69 (-2)
T16. Benny Haggin* 72-68 (-2)
T29. Josh Duangmanee 69-73 (E)
T29. Deven Patel 72-70 (E)
T35. Maxi Puregger* 69-74 (+1)
T35. Paul Chang 74-69 (+1)
* Competing as an individual
MBB: Virginia reveals new seating plan for JPJ to begin in 2027-28
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: John Paul Jones Arena
The Virginia Athletics Foundation and Virginia Athletics has announced a new men’s basketball seating plan for John Paul Jones Arena beginning with the 2027–28 season.
This is not a reseating initiative. The 2027–28 Virginia Men’s Basketball Seating Plan addresses the expiration of all current seating agreements following the 2026–27 season and creates a timely opportunity for renewal, evaluation, and long-term program sustainability.
The updated plan provides Virginia Athletics with the necessary resources to remain nationally competitive while providing an exceptional gameday experience and increased support for our student-athletes.
“College athletics is at an inflection point and we have a unique opportunity to position Virginia for both short-term and long-term success through this new seating plan,” VAF Executive Director and Deputy Athletics Director Kevin Miller said. “The VAF team is excited to connect with both existing and prospective season ticket members who want to be part of the incredible momentum fueled by our generous donors, whose commitment ensures that Virginia remains amongst the nation’s elite for years to come.”
Agreements signed under the new seating plan will be for a five-year term, from the 2027-28 through 2031-32 seasons and will only impact current season ticket members in the lower level and first four rows of the upper level. All current season ticket members will have the first opportunity to renew their seats under the new structure.
Additionally, the plan allows for new season tickets to be acquired by donors not currently holding a seat license and provides opportunities for seat location changes based on availability.
This initiative represents an essential step in ensuring that Virginia remains a leader in college athletics by generating support for expanded scholarship opportunities and advancing efforts to endow both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
The plan does not impact seating for the 2025–26 or 2026–27 seasons. This advance notice has been provided to allow fans ample time to plan for the transition beginning with the 2027–28 season.
Please visit https://virginiaathleticsfoundation.com/jpjseating for complete details on the seating plan, including pricing, timeline, and agreement process. Additional FAQs are also available online.
WBB: Cavaliers announce addition of USF transfer guard Levy
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: USF Athletics
Virginia women’s basketball head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton announced Monday that Romi Levy will join the program for the 2025-26 season.
A 6-foot-3 guard, Levy (Herzliya, Israel) spent the last two seasons at USF. In 2023-24, she was named the AAC Newcomer of the Year as well a as a second-team All-AAC selection after averaging a career-best 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
She was named AAC Preseason Player of the Year ahead of the 2024-25 season. Prior to her two-year stint at USF, Levy spent three seasons at Auburn where she was named an All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 2021.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Romi into our family,” said Agugua-Hamilton. “She is a 6-3 versatile guard who can post up smaller players or take bigger players off the bounce. She can defend and rebound as well. Romi is a mature player who wants to be a part of something special and something bigger than herself. I can’t wait to get to work with her.”
In 2018, Levy competed on the Israeli national team at the U18 Women’s European Championships and helped lead the team to a bronze medal scoring 14 points against Lithuania and 13 points against Albania.
WBB: Coach Mox adds LSU transfer forward Smith
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: LSU Sports
Virginia women’s basketball head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton announced Monday that Sa’Myah Smith will join the program for the 2025-26 season.
A 6-foot-2 forward, Smith spent the last three seasons at LSU where she shot 56-percent from the field. Over the course of her three years in Baton Rouge, the Tigers advanced to a pair of Elite Eight appearances and won an NCAA Championship in 2023. During the 2023 championship season, Smith earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team as LSU’s first forward off the bench.
“I’m super excited and overjoyed about the addition of Sa’Myah,” said Agugua-Hamilton. “She understands what it takes to win at the highest level, as is a national champion. Her athleticism and motor are off the charts. She a versatile athlete who defends, rebounds and can score from 15 feet and in. Her ceiling is extremely high, and I can’t wait to get to work with her.”
Last season, Smith (Texarkana, Texas) earned a place in the starting lineup and led the Tigers with 51 blocks on the year while averaging 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. In the 2025 NCAA tournament, she averaged 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds to help lead LSU to the Elite Eight.
Smith was the No. 57 overall prospect in the signing class of 2022 and ranked as the No. 1 prospect out of Dallas by ESPN. She led DeSoto High School to back-to-back Texas Class 6A State Championships and was invited to the 2022 U18 USA Basketball National Team Trials.
Cavaliers take series with convincing 18-0 shutout of Panthers in seven
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
In front of a sellout crowd at Disharoon Park, the Virginia baseball team dismantled the Pitt Panthers, 18-0, on Sunday afternoon.
The Virginia offense scored early and often in the rubber match by plating five runs in the first, six in the second, two in the third and four in the fourth to put the Cavaliers (20-14, 9-9 ACC) up 17-0 after the opening four frames.
UVA starting pitcher Tomas Valincius carried a perfect game into the fifth before surrendering one of the three Pitt hits on the day. Valincius finished the day with 5.2 shutout innings and four strikeouts to tally his third win of the season.
Chris Arroyo paced the Virginia offense with a 3-for-3 day with a home run and six RBIs to tie his season-high. Jacob Ference added to the power surge with a 2-for-3 day that was highlighted by a grand slam in the second inning. To round out the Cavalier home run trio, Harrison Didawick blasted his third of the season in the first inning.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a shutdown on top of the frame from Valincius, the Virginia offense opened Sunday with a five-run first. The two runs of the contest came on Arroyo’s eighth home run of the season. Later in the inning, Didawick smacked a three-run homer to right for his second dinger in as many games.
The six-run second was highlighted by an RBI double by Eric Becker, a bases-loaded RBI single from Henry Godbout and was capped off by Ference’s grand slam to make it 11-0 after two innings played.
An inning later, Arroyo tacked on two more runs to the Cavalier lead with a single through the right side that plated Eric Becker and Aidan Teel.
In the fourth, Teel and Arroyo each had two-run singles in the frame that pushed the Virginia lead to 17-0.
The final UVA run came in the bottom of the sixth when Jackson Sirois came home to score on a pinch-hit RBI single off the bat of Antonio Perrotta.
After Valincius was lifted, the Cavalier bullpen trio of Ryan Osinski, Dean Kampschor and Charlie Oschell held the Panthers (18-6, 5-10) to a single hit over the final 1.1 innings.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- The 18 runs on Sunday were the second-most runs in a game for Virginia this season, only behind the 22-run outburst against Boston College on March 8.
- Sunday marked the third time this season that UVA hit three home runs in a game.
- The series-clinching shutout is Virginia’s third of the year and first in ACC play.
- Chris Arroyo regained the team lead on Sunday in home runs (8) and RBIs (34).
- Henry Ford pushed his on-base streak to 18 games with a walk in the second inning.
- Virginia moves to 10-3 on the season when Aidan Teel bats leadoff.
- UVA improves to 18-3 on the year when scoring six or more runs.
- Virginia now leads the all-time series against Pitt, 28-12.
- Sunday’s sellout was the second of the year and the eighth since the start of the 2024 season.
UP NEXT
Virginia will conclude the four-game homestand on Tuesday as the Cavaliers welcome Liberty to Disharoon Park. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. and will air on ACCNX and WINA (98.9 FM/1070 AM).
Softball: Hoos complete sweep of Orange as Hylton sets UVA’s HR mark
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
Jade Hylton set the program record for home runs in her first at-bat as she helped power Virginia to a series sweep of Syracuse with a 10-2 victory in five innings on Sunday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hylton got things started quickly with her record-setting home run to open the first. Three batters later and with two on, Sarah Coon went deep to left center to make it a 4-0 Virginia lead.
Syracuse got a run back in the second, but Virginia (30-13, 11-7 ACC) responded in a big way in the bottom of the inning with five runs. The two-out rally started with another home run from Hylton and continued two batters later with an RBI triple from Bella Cabral.
With runners at second and third, a fielding error on a ground ball to first brought both runners home. The Hoos capped the inning with an RBI double from Sydney Hartgrove down the right-field line for the 9-1 lead.
The Orange (22-19, 3-15) scratched out a second run in the fourth inning, but Virginia again answered with another RBI double from Hartgrove, this one off the wall in left, to put the Hoos up 10-2.
Eden Bigham (11-7) picked up the win, allowing one unearned run with two walks and five strikeouts in 3.0 innings of work. She was one of three UVA pitchers used on the day and worked 2.0 innings in the start before coming back in to work the final frame.
Madison Knight (9-10) took the loss, allowing nine runs – six of them earned – on nine hits with a walk and two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of work.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Hylton set the program record for home runs with her first at-bat of the day and extended her lead with her second home run in her second at-bat. She has 37 home runs in her career.
- It’s the third multiple-home run game of the season for Hylton.
- UVA hit three home runs on the day, bringing the team total to 53, which is second-most in program history.
- Coon’s home run was the 25th of her career, which is tied for ninth all-time at Virginia.
FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
Coach Hardin on the series sweep and a home run record.#GoHoos | #HoosNext pic.twitter.com/Z4lC13WTLb
— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) April 13, 2025
“We came out ready to attack, very clear in our plan and got swings off on the pitches we were looking for early. Our pitching staff was trying a couple of different things and they did a great job of being ready out of the bullpen. I’m really proud of the effort overall.
“We were a bit more ourselves today, light-hearted and smiles and fun, but really intent and competitive. That’s important for us to be really engaged as our team and for our team. It was a really special moment when Jade broke the record and I’m grateful I get to be on the field for some of these moments. It was fun weekend, but we have a short turnaround and short week with Easter coming up and four games this week.”
UP NEXT
Virginia returns to action at home on Tuesday when the Cavaliers host Radford in a 5 p.m. contest at Palmer Park.
Rowing: No. 10 Virginia wraps up weekend at Redwood Shores Regatta
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
No. 10 Virginia concluded racing at the Redwood Shores Regatta, as the Cavaliers raced against No. 8 Cal on Saturday and No. 2 Stanford on Sunday.
Stanford defeated the Cavaliers in the Varsity Four (7:13.7-7:30.1), Second Varsity Eight (6:19.7-6:37.2) and Varsity Eight (6:12.7-6:28.6).
Cal topped UVA in the Varsity Four (7:55.5-8:11.2), Second Varsity Eight (7:08.2-7:22.4) and Varsity Eight (6:48.9-6:54.6).
The Cavaliers return to action at the Lake Wheeler Invite in Raleigh, N.C., on April 25-26.
RESULTS
Saturday
Varsity Four
- California, 7:55.5, 2. Virginia, 8:11.2
Second Varsity Eight
- California, 7:08.2, 2. Virginia, 7:22.4
Varsity Eight
- California, 6:48.9, 2. Virginia, 6:54.6
Sunday
Varsity Four
- Stanford, 7:13.7, 2. Virginia, 7:30.1
Second Varsity Eight
- Stanford, 6:19.7, 2. Virginia, 6:37.2
Varsity Eight
- Stanford, 6:12.7, 2. Virginia, 6:28.6
VIRGINIA LINEUPS
Varsity Eight: Coxswain: Chloe Lee, Stroke: Kennedy Housley, 7: Elsa Hartman, 6: Jenna Hajji*, 5: Paige Loh, 4: Sheila Joyce, 3: Flynn Greene, 2: Kate McGee, Bow: Sofia Coppola
Second Varsity Eight: Coxswain: Brie Joe, Stroke: Skylar Dahl, 7: Teagan Orth*
6: Helene Dimitrijev, 5: Sydney Fratamico, 4: Riley Richardson, 3: Aidan Wrenn-Walz, 2: Lila Henn, Bow: Ayla O’Neill
Varsity Four: Coxswain: Ashlynn McGinn, Stroke: Hannah Hill, 3: Claudia Kerry-Roger*, 2: Savannah Fox, Bow: Alyssa Fikkers
*Denotes boat captain
Morris stands out in UVA spring game
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Photo by Nikolozi Khutsishvili
Late in the first half of Virginia’s spring football game Saturday, it appeared that defensive coordinator John Rudzinski just might get his wish.
“I was hoping for a 0-0 tie today,” Rudzinski chuckled in reference to dominant defensive play.
Veteran punter Daniel Sparks, handling place-kicking duties in the game, ruined Coach Rud’s perfect day by kicking a 26-yard field goal to end the first half, with offenses finally hitting their strides in the second half as the White squad downed the Blue, 17-9.
While the White team prevailed, scoring two touchdowns in the second half behind two strikes from senior Gavin Frakes (10 yards to Kam Courtney, 6 yards to Owen Gardner), it was North Texas transfer quarterback Chandler Morris who displayed the most impressive arm in the contest.
Morris, who previously played at North Texas, TCU and Oklahoma, completed 12 of 15 passes for 155 yards (no interceptions) in only one half of football. During a short stretch in the second quarter, Morris connected on three straight passes for 23, 17 and 22 yards.
“We got to see both teams move the ball up and down in the first half,” Tony Elliott said of the two offenses that bogged down in the red zone. “I would have loved to have seen about 10 more points on each side in the first half, finish some drives with touchdowns and field goals, but we saw some explosive plays.”
Somewhat short on experienced personnel due to a plethora of players sitting out with injuries or recuperating from offseason surgeries, Elliott elected to hold a spring game anyway because he wanted players to see the impact of a penalty in a game as opposed to practice, and to further evaluate a number of new players from the transfer portal and early enrollees from high school.
One of those was Morris, who has thrown for 6,207 yards and 47 touchdowns in his career (3,774 last season at North Texas).
“We saw him move in the pocket, extended some plays with his legs,” Elliott said. “He also sat in there on third-and-long and rip one up the seam.”
Frakes, who played the second half in place of Morris, completed 7 of 10 passes for 72 yards. Nebraska redshirt freshman transfer Daniel Kaelin played the first half for the Blue team and was 6 of 12 passing for 67 yards. His backup, Grady Brosterhous, was 6 of 16 for 93 yards and a score (Davis Lane) in the second half.
Gardner, a seventh-year running back (that is not a typo) from Hillsdale College, led the White team in rushing with 34 yards on 11 carries, while Xavier Brown rushed 9 times for 14 yards. J’Mari Taylor, a fifth-year transfer from NC Central, paced the Blues with 52 yards rushing on 9 attempts.
Josiah Abdullah, an early enrollee from Columbus, Ga., led the Blue in receiving with 47 yards on 5 catches, while Lane had 4 receptions for 35 yards, including a 25-yard TD.
For the White, Jahmal Edrine, a transfer from Purdue, had 5 catches for 44 yards, while Hayden Rollison, a junior tight end from Richmond, had 4 catches for 39 yards. Senior tight end Dakota Twitty, who came on at the end of last season, put up 51 yards on 3 catches.
Abdullah seemed comfortable for a player who could still be in high school, one of a few players each season that fit in immediately with college ball, Elliott said. Offensive coordinator Des Kitchings said he sees some of the same attributes in Abdullah that former UVA receiver Malik Washington displayed.
Elliott has been pleased with his quarterbacks this spring, clearly with the focus on the two new transfers, Chandler and Kaelin.
“I think everybody got to see how well Danny moves, right?” Elliott said of Kaelin, who ran out of trouble a few times. “Danny extended some plays with his legs, made big throws.
“I like both quarterbacks. They’re a little bit different, but what you saw is what they can do within the system, everything that we need them to do and more. Both of them were really good outside the pocket and they have potential in the pocket. In the end, I want [the competition] to be decided by those two guys. We’re going to need both of them.”
Defensively, Myles Brown led the Blue with 11 tackles, while Stevie Bracey had 8, Armstrong Jones and Jewett Hayes with 7 each. For the White, Rob Keys had 8 tackles, Devin Neal 6, Billy Koudelka 5 (including a whopping four sacks), Corey Costner 4 tackles.
Koudelka, a 6-foot-8 sophomore defensive end from VES in Lynchburg, had a career sack day.
“Obviously a lot to learn,” Elliott said of Koudelka. “Everybody sees the splash plays, but also where he’s grown is the ability to set the edge on the run game where we need him to be an every-down player.”
Quarterbacks were not allowed to be tackled, so Elliott told Koudelka the next step come fall camp is to take the QBs to the ground.
Saturday’s game concluded Virginia’s spring drills.
WBB: Hoos add Ring, Weimar through transfer portal
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Virginia women’s basketball head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton announced Saturday that transfers Adeang Ring and Caitlin Weimar will join the program for the 2025-26 season.
Ring, a 6-5 forward, competed as a true freshman at UCF last season. A four-star recruit from Sydney Australia, Ring attended high school at Bella Vista Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.) where she was the No. 2 ranked player out of the state of Arizona.
“I’m excited about the addition of Adeang,” said Agugua-Hamilton. “She is a high character, culture kid who is all about the grind. She is a 6-5 athlete who will bring us shooting, defense and rebounding. Adeang has so much untapped potential and could ultimately be a double-double kind of kid. Her ceiling is very high, and I can’t wait to get to work with her.”
She helped her team to a Grind Session Championship in 2023 while earning Grind Session first-team, and most improved honors. On the AAU circuit, Ring competed for Team Why Not EYBL.
A 6-4 forward, Weimar transferred from Boston University to NC State ahead of 2024-25 but missed the season due to injury.
“I’m ecstatic about adding Caitlin to our family,” said Agugua-Hamilton. “She is a proven double-double. She can score with either hand in the low post while defending and rebounding at an elite level. Caitlin is a culture kid who takes pride in her work ethic on and off the court. She will help us be a presence in the paint on both sides of the floor and I can’t wait to get to work with her.”
In her senior season at BU, Weimar earned Patriot League Player of the Year honors as well as her second-consecutive Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year award. In 2023-24 she averaged 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while shooting 55-percent from the field. Weimar earned All-Patriot League honors in each of her three seasons in Boston.
Weimar played her freshman season at Marist where she was named MAAC Co-Rookie of the Year after starting in 19 of 20 games averaging 8.6 points and 7.6 rebounds.
A native of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Weimar attended Hendrick Hudson High School where she accumulated over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds and led her team to a 1 Class A title as the tournament MVP. On the AAU circuit, she competed with Hoopers Elite NY.
Cavaliers split tight doubleheader with Pitt; rubber match Sunday
By Colin Moore
JerryRatcliffe.com correspondent
Photo: UVA Athletics
The Virginia baseball team split its doubleheader with visiting Pittsburgh on Saturday at Disharoon Park, rallying for a walkoff win in the opener before coming up short in the second game.
The series will be decided in Sunday’s finale, with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. UVA’s Tomas Valincius (2-1) will get the start opposite Pitt righty Drew Lafferty (1-1).
In game one Saturday, the Hoos pulled out a come-from-behind victory in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth.
The action opened up in the first game in the fourth inning when Pitt scored two runs before the Cavaliers responded with four runs of their own.
The Panthers tacked on two more runs in the seventh, tying the score before taking the lead again in the ninth.
Virginia’s Henry Ford walked it off with a two-run shot over the left-field wall, earning the 7-5 Cavalier victory.
Jay Woolfolk went six innings with five strikeouts and gave up three runs before Matt Lanzendorfer came in to close the game, pitching the last two innings (striking out one and giving up one run).
Game two was just as exciting, with the Cavaliers’ comeback just falling short.
The Panthers opened up the scoring again, this time with a two-run home run in the second inning.
UVA got on the board after a single and some great base running by Chone James, who stole both second and third before eventually scoring off a Luke Hansen RBI single.
Controversy called at home after a great deep shot from Eric Becker, allowing Hansen to attempt to score. Unfortunately for the Hoos, a head-first sliding Hansen was called out at the plate to end the inning.
Pitt scored four runs in the fourth, forcing a UVA pitcher change. Evan Blanco finished his night after striking out three Panthers and allowing six runs.
Virginia’s Aidan Teel launched a two-run homer in the eighth to spark the hopes of another Cavalier comeback.
In the top of the ninth, the Panthers led the Hoos 8-5. UVA found itself in a deep hole with the bases loaded and zero outs. Alex Markus came into the match unfazed, however, striking out the next three Pitt batters.
Henry Godbout earned a leadoff double for a great start before his next two teammates flew out. Harrison Didwick was next up and launched a two run homer, pulling the Cavaliers within one. Hansen was next, looking to add to his RBI tally, but his routine pop fly brought an end to the long day.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
- On the year, Virginia is 9-3 when Aidan Teel bats leadoff for the Cavaliers.
- The game one victory was UVA’s 12th come-from-behind win of the season.
- Virginia’s five-run fourth in the series opener was the 10th time this season that the Cavaliers have scored five or more runs in an inning.
- Henry Ford extended this hit streak and on-base streaks to 12 and 17 games, respectively, on Saturday.
- In his five home starts this season, Jay Woolfolk has struck out 34 opposing batters in 28.1 innings pitched.
- Ford’s walk-off home run in game one was Virginia’s third walk-off win of the season and the first via the long ball.
- The walk-off homer was Virginia’s first since Didawick’s two-run blast against Virginia Tech on May 18, 2024.
- Didawick’s homer in game two was his second of the season and first since Feb. 28 against Dartmouth.
Softball: UVA no-hits Syracuse in both games of Saturday double-dip
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
The pitching staff combined for a pair of no-hitters on Saturday as Virginia swept a doubleheader with Syracuse at Palmer Park. Virginia won the first game 5-0 before taking a run-rule 10-0 victory in game two.
GAME 1: VIRGINIA 5, SYRACUSE 0
Virginia (29-13, 10-7 ACC) got on the board in the first when Macee Eaton flared a ball to left that dropped in front of the diving left fielder to score Jade Hylton from second.
The Hoos added two more runs in the second when Kelly Ayer dropped a ball into shallow center that got by the center fielder as she went to scoop it on the run. Kelsey Hackett and Jade Hylton scored on the play to make it a 3-0 Virginia lead.
MC Eaton extended the lead to 5-0 with a two-run home run in the sixth inning to cap the scoring.
Julia Cuozzo (5-1) picked up the win with 5.1 innings of work in the start, scattering four walks and five strikeouts through that time. Eden Bigham picked up the save as she worked the final 1.2 innings with a walk.
Madison Knight (9-9) took the loss for Syracuse (22-18, 3-14), allowing the five runs – four of them earned – on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts.
GAME 2: VIRGINIA 10, SYRACUSE 0 (5 INNINGS)
The Cavaliers got off to a quick start with a grand slam from Sarah Coon in the first inning. Three straight singles opened the inning before an infield fly put the first out on the board and brought Coon to the plate. She drove the 0-1 pitch over the wall in left center and put the Hoos up 4-0.
Virginia extended the lead with a six-run third inning. After loading the bases with one out, a single from Kailyn Jones, a double from Jade Hylton and a sac fly from Kelly Ayer broke the game open. The inning was capped with a two-RBI single from Macee Eaton.
Courtney Layne (3-0) picked up the win as she worked 3.0 innings with a walk and a strikeout. Ava Hodges closed out the final 2.0 innings.
Julianna Verni (9-6) took the loss, allowing eight runs on eight hits with two walks and a strikeout in 2.1 innings of work.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Julia Cuozzo’s five strikeouts in game one was a career high in a career-long 5.1 innings of work for the RHP.
- Eden Bigham set the program save record in game one with her 11th career save and sixth of the season.
- Sarah Coon’s grand slam in game two was her first career grand slam and 24th career home run to move her into a tie for 10th all-time at Virginia.
- Macee Eaton brought her RBI total to 51 which places her third all-time in single-season RBI at Virginia.
FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“Our pitching staff got us going from the start with some really efficient innings. When you can put two no-hitters in one day it alleviates a lot of pressure on your team. Offensively, we scratched and clawed to get people on and were really scrappy and competitive. It’s been a grind on the road and we’re happy to be back home playing in front of our fans. We know we’re going to have to bring it again tomorrow. Syracuse is scrappy and we know they will come out hungry tomorrow.”
UP NEXT
Virginia and Syracuse close out the weekend series at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Women’s Lacrosse: No. 11 UVA falls at No. 2 BC, 24-11
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
The No. 11 Virginia women’s lacrosse team suffered a 24-11 loss against No. 2 Boston College on Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Virginia (10-5, 4-4 ACC) trailed 6-1 with 3:51 remaining in the first quarter but scored twice before the end of the period to cut the deficit to 6-3. The Eagles scored in the opening 30 seconds of the second quarter, but the Cavaliers strung together three straight goals, one apiece from freshman Gabby LaVerghetta and sophomores Addi Foster and Jenna DiNardo, to make it a 7-6 game.
The Eagles (14-1, 7-1) scored seven straight to build up a 14-6 lead with 9:33 remaining in the third.
Virginia rallied again with a goal from DiNardo sandwiched by a pair of scores from sophomore Kate Galica to cut the deficit to 14-9 with 4:31 remaining in the third, but that was as close as UVA would get. BC ended the game on a 10-2 run, including scoring the final five goals of the game.
Galica led the Cavaliers with four points (3g, 1a) and had eight draw controls.
Freshman Livy LaVerghetta scored her first career goal.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Boston College took 42 shots in the game
- BC won the draw controls 24-13
- Virginia goalkeepers Mel Josephson and Abby Jansen combined for seven saves. BC’s Shea Dolce made five saves
- Jenna DiNardo and Addi Foster both scored two goals and each had an assist
- Madison Alaimo had four points (1g, 3a)
- Gabby LaVerghetta scored her ninth goal of the season
- Livy LaVerghetta is the ninth different Cavalier this season to score her first career goal
FROM HEAD COACH SONIA LaMONICA
“Some lapses of focus in various moments throughout the game really hurt us today. This serves as a strong gut check for our team, what it takes to be the best and being ready to individually and collectively execute the little things moving forward. I know we will use this to our advantage.”
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers host Virginia Tech on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash in their final game of the regular season.
Men’s Lacrosse: Hoos come up short against No. 9 Fighting Irish, 12-7
Courtesy UVA Media Relations
Photo: UVA Athletics
No. 9 Notre Dame scored seven consecutive goals in the second half to pull away with ease and take down Virginia by a final score of 12-7 at Arlotta Stadium Saturday evening.
In a physical game that featured 12 penalties, both teams were knotted 4-4 with under four minutes to play in the third quarter before the Fighting Irish orchestrated the second-longest goal streak by a UVA opponent this season.
Virginia (5-7, 0-3 ACC) committed 18 turnovers, including four in the clear, and were out-performed on the ground, 34-28.
Thomas Mencke was the only Cavalier to find the back of the net at least twice, which he did in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. Virginia goaltender Matthew Nunes (3-4) stopped nine Irish shots on net.
The Cavaliers, who entered Saturday’s game as the nation’s No. 3 man-down unit killed all but one of Notre Dame’s seven extra-man opportunities. Similarly, Virginia’s man-up only scored once of its five EMO chances.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish (6-3, 2-1) connected on the first two shots of the game to take an early 2-0 lead. UVA started to find its groove as the opening period progressed and eventually knotted the score [2-2] by the close of the quarter. Will Inderlied got the Hoos on the board less than five minutes in, which extended his goal streak to four consecutive games.
With under two minutes to play in the first, Truitt Sunderland finished with his toes on the crease before being pushed in by a UND defender, resulting in a goal that tied the score, 2-2. Nunes was credited with three saves in the first, two of which were virtually at point blank range and provided a spark for the Hoos.
Virginia grasped a 3-2 lead on quick dodge in space by Ryan Colsey, who fired a high-bouncing shot that snuck past UND netminder Thomas Ricciardelli (13 saves). A crosscheck to the head by UVA led an Irish EMO goal, which tied it once again [3-3].
The Cavaliers were penalized for another high crosscheck, but this one put UVA man-down for two minutes. However, a UND turnover gave the Cavaliers possession and allowed them kill off the remainder of the penalty.
UVA killed off two more penalties in the middle of the third before the Irish were flagged for a hold. On the Hoos’ ensuing EMO, McCabe Millon found Jack Walshe, who ripped a step-down shot to knot the score [4-4] for the final time.
After Walshe’s EMO goal, the Irish scored seven straight to run away with the game and get back in the win column after suffering its largest defeat of the season, 14-9, at then-No. 7 Syracuse last week.
Mikie Harmeyer’s third goal of the season with 2:58 to play in the game broke up the Irish run and marked UVA’s first goal in 18 minutes. Mencke then scored back-to-back goals in under a one-minute span to trim UND’s lead to 11-7.
With UVA attempting to apply pressure to the Irish’s offensive players, UND scored its 12th goal of the game with 30 seconds remaining.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- With the win, Notre Dame took the lead in the all-time series, 12-11, and extended its win streak in the series to four consecutive games.
- The 12 combined penalties are the most in a UVA game since its 2023 regular-season meeting against North Carolina (13).
- UVA’s seven penalties also tied its highest mark since the 2023 contest in Chapel Hill.
- Virginia, which entered Saturday’s contest at the nation’s No. 3 man-down unit, held Notre Dame scoreless on six of its seven EMO chances. UVA has now killed 41 of its 48 opposing EMO chances this season, a clip of 85.4 percent.
- Upon scoring UVA’s first goal of the game, midfielder Will Inderlied has recorded at least one goal in the last four consecutive games, the longest goal streak of his career.
- With a pair of goals, Thomas Mencke notched his fourth career multi-goal effort, all of which have occurred this season.
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers return to Klöckner Stadium next Saturday to host Lafayette (8-4) for Senior Day. Opening faceoff is set for 1 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
