The No. 10 Virginia women’s lacrosse team enters the 2016 season with some uncertainty, having graduated six of last season’s 12 starters.
But the Cavaliers (1-0) have already begun to quell any worries about this year’s team with an impressive 10-8 season-opening victory against No. 4 Northwestern Saturday in Kennesaw, Ga.
Sophomore midfielder Kasey Behr, junior midfielder Posey Valis, senior attacker Kelly Boyd and freshman midfielder Maggie Jackson each scored two goals for the Virginia win. Additionally, junior attacker Besser Dyson and senior midfielder Mary Alati scored one goal apiece.
Reigning ACC Freshman of the Year goalie Rachel Vander Kolk also started off the season strongly, making 12 saves against the impressive Northwestern (1-1) offense.
Virginia held a 12-8 advantage in draw controls over Northwestern. With nearly 86 percent of last year’s draw controls being accounted for by since-graduated players, the Cavaliers’ ability to replace their draw control production was a question mark heading into this season.
Virginia will next play No. 12 Princeton Saturday in what will be the Tigers’ season opener. Princeton returns nine starters from last year’s team that made it to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
The Cavaliers beat Princeton last season 18-11 in Charlottesville.
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