Nunes tabbed ACC Defensive Player of the Week

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

For the second time this season, Virginia first-year goalie Matthew Nunes has been named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Nunes is the only freshman in the ACC to garner weekly distinction and one of five Cavaliers to be recognized by the conference office this season. Virginia has also nabbed five weekly defensive honors out of eight possible weeks so far in 2022.

Nunes made 14 saves and only allowed five goals in 58:22 of game time in the Cavaliers’ 12-8 win over Notre Dame on Saturday (March 26). Nunes helped hold the Fighting Irish to their lowest goal total since Virginia defeated UND 10-4 in the 2019 ACC Championship game, which also took place in Charlottesville. Nunes faced 43 total shots and registered a save percentage of .737. He also anchored a Cavalier defense that shut out Notre Dame for a span of 26:49, the longest scoring drought by a UVA opponent this season. During that time, Nunes also made six saves, including one while the Irish were man-up, as the Cavaliers leaped out to a 6-1 lead in the first half.

For his performance, Nunes was also named to USILA’s Team of the Week.

No. 2 Virginia (7-1, 3-0 ACC) travels to Richmond (5-3) on Saturday (April 2). Opening faceoff from Robins Stadium is set for noon on NBC Sports Washington and ESPN+ (subject to blackout).