If past success could determine the outcome of today's Virginia women's lacrosse game at James Madison, it would still be a toss up.
"JMU is always a big matchup for us, no matter who we've played before," Virginia coach Julie Myers said. "We are both coming in needing and wanting a win."
The No. 9 Cavaliers have had a turbulent season so far. Their record stands at 6-4, and they dropped big games to No. 1 Maryland on March 13, No. 3 Princeton on March 18 and No. 6 North Carolina on March 24. Virginia picked up a 15-11 win over No. 14 Penn State, but its other victories have been easier - against less - intimidating teams like UMBC and Temple.
No. 12 JMU (6-3) has a similar record to the Cavaliers - mixed with decisive wins and disappointing losses. The Dukes dropped a game on March 17 at No. 2 Loyola, 11-4, they lost in overtime to No. 10 William & Mary, 11-10, on March 27 and they fell just short of No. 16 George Mason, 9-8, on March 29. Most recently, James Madison easily defeated American, 18-8.
The matchup between the Cavaliers and James Madison - two nationally competitive teams - should be a strong indicator of the teams' progress thus far this season.
"This will prove a good test to see how far we have come after 10 games," Myers said.
"The outcome will definitely affect the team morale," senior midfielder Jill Hansen said. "If we can beat JMU and then Duke [this Saturday], the team morale will be even higher than it is after last week's wins."
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