Klockner Stadium was the perfect venue for my epiphany about Virginia men's lacrosse yesterday afternoon. Of course, I should begin by mentioning the obvious about why it was perfect -- it was more than a little convenient that the men's team happened to have a game at Klockner yesterday afternoon.
Secondly, the press box presented me with a place of elevation from which I was afforded a view of the rolling hills of Charlottesville, the white dome of the famed Rotunda, the baseball game being played in nearly empty Davenport Field and the looming presence of University Hall doting the skyline.
It was the definitive contrast of Davenport Field and especially U-Hall that made me realize just what a treat it is to have the men's lacrosse team as an outlet to cure Virginia athletics-induced depression. This is nothing against the baseball team that plays hard day in and day out, but they simply don't command the respect that the No. 1 ranked lacrosse squad does.
This men's lacrosse team understands there's no time for an "off" game when playing the nation's toughest schedule. The players understand the need to work hard in all situations, bringing enthusiasm and intensity. These are intangibles the men's basketball team seems to lack at times.
My fear, however, is that the average Wahoo fan is more likely to recognize the names of the men's basketball walk-ons than some of the members of the lacrosse team that really help the team thrive -- especially the non-scorers.
With the Cavaliers scoring 14.8 goals per game, top-scorers like senior midfielders Chris Rotelli and A.J. Shannon and sophomore attackmen John Christmas and Joe Yevoli inevitably will seep into the mainstream Virginia fan's conscious, but players like senior longstick midfielder Trey Whitty and senior defensemen Ned Bowen and David Burman, among others may go unnoticed.
Whitty is the team's spark plug, forcing big plays on defense and quickly turning the ball upfield. Whitty recorded two assists yesterday in addition to his usual defensive tenacity, scrounging for every loose ball and diving to save possession.
"I'm like a free safety in football, just roaming around and trying to make plays when I can," Whitty said. "I have a lot of leniency in the middle of the field to make the best plays that I can."
Bowen and Burman strut their stuff consistently, delivering more than their share of big hits and scaring opposing attackers away from goalie Tillman Johnson's crease.
What enabled Virginia to maintain their momentum yesterday was the unending series of big hits and hustle plays that included pressing Notre Dame in its own zone -- using this tactic, Virginia forced several turnovers that led to early Cavalier scores. Once Virginia got on the board, their face-off men went to work to keep the energy alive.
"I think the spark today was our face-off guys," Whitty said. "Jack and Zach did a great job."
Sophomore Jack deVilliers has come to excel at face-offs this year, winning 62.5 percent of his draws after only winning 47.8 percent in his first year.
Junior midfielder Zach Heffner has found a role on the team this year after having shifted from defense to midfield and has been particularly instrumental in picking up deVilliers' face-offs.
"Zach Heffner is just lightning fast and getting all those ground balls -- it's just like rebounds in basketball," Christmas said.
The team as a unit, however, remains central to the Cavaliers' success. Sure, Christmas, Rotelli and Johnson are stars of the lacrosse world, but none of them show any hint of it except in their exceptional play. Part of their stardom is their ability to make the most of their teammates and the set offenses designed by the coaching staff.
Virginia's heart should also never be questioned. The Cavaliers could have overlooked a home match with Notre Dame after its major road victories over Syracuse and Princeton -- two traditional powerhouses who also happened to play each other in last year's NCAA title game. But, then again, the Irish are ranked No. 9 in the country.
Virginia lacrosse is the best sport in town if you're looking for heart, drive, character and, of course, success.
"I think we're obviously extremely talented," Rotelli said. "We're explosive and fun to watch. If people want to see great lacrosse, they should come see our games."
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