Virginia and Old Dominion varsity sports will face off for the third time in less than two weeks when the Virginia women's lacrosse team hosts the Monarchs tonight in a bid to continue its home dominance. The No. 4 Cavaliers have won all three of their games at Klöckner Stadium this season, and tonight's game against the unranked Monarchs at 7 marks the Cavaliers' fourth home game of seven on the season.
Virginia (8-2, 3-1 ACC) enters the contest in a two-game win streak, having defeated James Madison and Duke last week. The Cavaliers will also defend their perfect record against in-state opponents, having beaten Virginia Tech, Richmond, William & Mary and James Madison this season. The team would climb to 5-0 against Virginia teams, leaving only a matchup against George Mason in the final game of the season.
The Cavaliers have been without the services of junior midfielder Blair Weymouth in their past two victories. Junior attacker Jenny Hauser picked up the slack in those contests, netting eight goals and adding an assist. The Boston University transfer and sophomore midfielder Brittany Kalkstein lead the team with 20 goals each.
"It's really important when one of your best scorers goes out, you all want to step up," Hauser said. "We've all been playing really well together. My teammates were feeding me, and [senior attacker and captain] Megan O'Malley and [junior midfielder] Ashley McCulloch have been there to hit the open player."
McCulloch leads the team in total points, with 12 goals and 21 assists, three times as many as the next player, Hauser, who has seven. These potent offensive performers have helped Virginia out-score its opponents 122-78 on the year.
The key to Virginia's offensive performance has been its mind-set throughout the season.
"Most of the time, we want to run our attack regardless of who we play," Hauser said. "We want to dictate the game so they don't."
Old Dominion has yet to begin its conference play but is 4-0 on the season so far. Testing Virginia's high-powered offense will be senior goalkeeper Sarah Larson, who gives up less than seven goals per game. The Monarchs are led offensively by senior attacker Kelly Kimener, who has seven goals and eight assists. Virginia's defense will also have to shut down junior attacker Jessica Noone, who leads her team with 10 goals on the year.
"We like to see what kind of attacks they run, so our defense will know what to expect," Hauser said about the team's defensive preparations. "With Duke we knew they were going to come right out on us quickly and we were prepared."
The Virginia defense has performed consistently well this season and should be ready for the task at hand. Senior goalkeeper Kendall McBrearty gives up less than eight goals a game while amassing 72 saves. The Cavaliers have a decisive advantage in ground balls possessed at 181-129, and have a plus-18 caused turnover margin for the season.
Virginia coach Julie Myers fully expects to be prepared for its opponent tonight.
"We need to make sure we stay focused, we don't relax, and we keep pushing forward," Myers said.
Hauser said the team is also looking forward to the matchup.
"We get excited for everyone," Hauser said. "You don't overlook anyone and take them as they come. ODU is fast and smart with their shots. We'll definitely be prepared"
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