The University community awoke Oct. 24 to what appeared to be another typical Monday on Grounds. Unbeknownst to most, though, it was, in fact, the two-year anniversary of Amy Marotta Day in Columbus, Ohio.
"It was more of an honor than a celebratory day," Marotta said. "Basically I received a proclamation from the mayor of Columbus just for things I did academically, athletically and in the community."
Marotta, a sophomore defender, was second-team all-American in field hockey and honorable mention all-American in lacrosse.
The Columbus Academy graduate appeared on a local radio show, among other festivities, to commemorate the day.
Although Amy Marotta Day was officially only Oct. 24, 2003, Marotta said her friends and family celebrate the day annually.
She has started all 16 games for the No. 20 Cavaliers this season and will play a major role in tonight's tilt with the University of Richmond.
The Spiders, 11-5 overall, are one spot behind Virginia in the rankings and have streaked through Atlantic 10 play, totaling a 6-0 record.
"Richmond is very skilled, they've got good players, and it's always a battle," Virginia coach Jess Wilk said. "It's a big in-state rivalry."
The Cavaliers will look to continue their success against opponents from the Commonwealth, currently owning a 5-1 record. With seven of the team's 20 games coming against Virginia rivals, earning state bragging rights has been crucial to the team's success.
"It's absolutely a goal we set at the beginning of the year," Wilk said. "And that's something that we would like continue with."
The team also will look to rebound off of Saturday's loss 1-0 at No. 1 Wake Forest and post a win after several close calls in the past 10 days.
"We're all frustrated because we feel like we've been playing well the past couple games, and we haven't created a break for ourselves yet," Wilk said.
After a closer-than-the-scoreboard-shows 3-1 loss to No. 4 UNC on Oct. 16, Virginia battled No. 5 American to a 1-1 draw after 70 minutes before falling in overtime. Saturday the Cavaliers held three-time defending champ Wake Forest to its lowest goal total of the season in the loss.
Ever resilient, the squad has kept its head up, preparing dutifully for the final two regular season games.
"I think we've been working pretty hard in practice, working on our possession skills, working on our finishing and continuing to hone our defense," Wilk said.
One factor driving the Cavaliers is the looming ACC Tournament that begins Nov. 3. If Virginia can turn its high level of play into wins during the tourney, a ticket to the NCAA Tournament is very attainable.
"I feel great about this group," Wilk said. "They work hard, they get the team concept, and they're doing the things we're asking of them, so really I can't say enough about this group."
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