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No. 12 women’s lacrosse defeats George Mason 14-8

The Cavaliers rallied to go on an 8-0 run in the second half

<p>The No. 12 Cavaliers rallied in the second half to go on an 8-0 run and defeat the unranked Patriots 14-8.&nbsp;</p>

The No. 12 Cavaliers rallied in the second half to go on an 8-0 run and defeat the unranked Patriots 14-8. 

Virginia women’s lacrosse defeated George Mason Wednesday night at Klockner stadium. The No. 12 Cavaliers (5-2, 0-1 ACC) rallied in the second half to go on an 8-0 run and defeat the unranked Patriots (3-2, 0-0 A10) 14-8. 

Notable performances came from senior midfielder Nora Bowen, who led Virginia in goals, and sophomore midfielder Lillie Kloak, who recorded a hat trick in the second half. Senior midfielder Sammy Mueller and junior midfielder Ashlyn McGovern also continued strong seasons with two goals and one assist each. 

On the other end of the field, sophomore defender Myla Grace Barnett had a career-high five draw controls, while junior goalkeeper Charlie Campbell made nine saves to help the Cavaliers secure the victory. 

George Mason found its offensive rhythm early in the game, scoring two goals before the Cavaliers were even on the board. 

Bowen and junior midfielder Halle Graham fought back for Virginia to tie the game 2-2 and, despite another goal by the Patriots, two more goals by Bowen gave the Cavaliers a 4-3 lead. 

George Mason scored an additional two goals, and another goal by the Cavaliers was quickly matched by the Patriots, leaving the game tied 6-6 at the half. 

The beginning of the second half was similar to the first, with George Mason scoring two unanswered goals right at the start. However, both the Cavaliers’ offense and defense soon found their rhythms. 

Not only did Virginia score eight consecutive goals, but the Cavaliers also held the Patriots scoreless for the final 23:19. The eight-goal run was begun by junior attacker Olivia Schildmeyer, and Kloak added three goals just by herself during this stretch. 

Over the course of the run, Mueller also scored twice, while McGovern and sophomore midfielder Courtlynne Caskin had one goal each. 

Statistically, Virginia led in both shots, 35-25, and ground balls, 20-11. The Cavaliers were also 20 for 20 on clears and had just eight turnovers to 17 for the Patriots. 

Coach Julie Myers credits the game-changing second half to controlling possession, providing more opportunities for the offense and providing some relief for the defense.

“We did not start our first half well, and George Mason came out with a game plan and they did a great job with that,” Myers said. “The second half was much better for us, but I think it started with the draw control. We won only a couple in the first half but we were able to get a bunch more possessions off the draw in the second half.” 

The Cavaliers will next play Duke Saturday at 1 p.m. on the road in Durham, N.C. at Koskinen Stadium. 

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