The No. 5 Virginia women's soccer team looks to build on last weekend's 3-0 win over Mississippi by kicking off the 2001 Virginia Soccer Classic against West Virginia (2-0) tonight.
Although the Cavaliers (1-0) opened the season by shutting out the Rebels, they were less than convincing. The Cavaliers missed several opportunities to break out against the Mississippi squad.
"We weren't as sharp offensively as we're going to be," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "We weren't all together, we definitely have some things to work on offensively. We created enough chances to really run away with it."
The Cavaliers outshot the Rebels 28-3, but mustered only three goals on the night.
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"I was really pleased with the chances we created," Swanson said. "I was displeased with our lack of patience in terms of not finishing on those opportunities. We worked on some things that I really think will help us this week."
"I think we'll only get better from here, so it should be exciting," senior co-captain Lori Lindsey said. "That was our fourth game and we've been trying to build on each game."
Lindsey scored two goals in Virginia's victory over Mississippi and will lead the Virginia attack in the Virginia Soccer Classic, beginning with a 7 p.m. matchup against West Virginia. Junior forward Alyssa Benitez, who led Virginia with seven shots and scored the Cavaliers' third and final goal against the Rebels, will also look to make an offensive impact this weekend. Senior forward Darci Borski will provide valuable leadership to the Cavalier squad.
West Virginia enjoyed its best season ever in 2000. Last season, the team was 15-6 and earned its first-ever NCAA tournament berth. They head into Klockner Stadium on Friday after scoring a convincing 5-1 victory at St. John's on Aug. 31, and defeating Hofstra in double overtime, 2-1, on Sunday. Senior forward Katie Barnes, the preseason Big East player of the year, is the Mountaineers' primary offensive weapon. She has tallied one goal and three assists on the season. Barnes forms a lethal tandem with sophomore midfielder Chrissie Abbott, who leads West Virginia with two goals.
"They're a very talented team," Swanson said. "It'll be a real test for us at this point in the season."
The regional rivalry between the Cavaliers and the Mountaineers is the second of four games that make up the Virginia Soccer Classic. Virginia, West Virginia, St. Louis and Auburn will each play two games in the tournament this weekend.
"We're excited for the tournament," Swanson said. "Anytime we play now is a great chance to see where we are."
The Cavaliers also will be in action this Sunday afternoon when they take on Auburn. The 3 p.m. game against the Tigers at Klockner will be the final game in the Virginia Soccer Classic.
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