Virginia women’s lacrosse played its last away game of an early three-game road trip Sunday, facing off against Notre Dame in what was the Cavaliers’ (2-3, 1-0 ACC) first conference game of the campaign. The Fighting Irish (4-1, 1-1 ACC) held a lead going into the fourth quarter, but were unable to seal the deal against Virginia. The Cavaliers eventually pulled through to earn a 9-7 win in South Bend, Ind.
Virginia’s offense ran through junior midfielder Kate Galica and junior attacker Madison Alaimo, who both tallied five points. Freshman attacker Raleigh Foster also made her mark on the front line, scoring two goals and assisting once. As a whole, the Cavaliers outshot Notre Dame by a 26-15 margin. Although 26 shots signaled a successful attacking outing, allowing just 15 shots from a top-five team might be even more impressive.
“Such a stout defensive effort from our squad tonight,” Coach Sonia LaMonica said. “Holding a talented Notre Dame offense to 15 total shots was the catalyst for this victory.”
The performance by Virginia’s defense is exactly what the team needed to snap out of a less-than-ideal start to 2026. Less than two weeks ago, lapses in defensive judgment were a major reason for the Cavaliers’ defeat against Richmond at home and the subsequent 17-9 loss to then-No. 6 Maryland — showings that did not exactly inspire confidence in the strength of Virginia’s back end.
For the Cavaliers, it may be a matter of belief, rather than talent, that has been holding them back this year. Sunday’s showing seemed to reinforce this idea, a sentiment echoed by LaMonica postgame.
“This team arrived with fierce energy, belief and determination from the moment we arrived through the final whistle, and shows what’s possible when you stick together,” LaMonica said.
Virginia’s Foster would open the match’s scoring less than five minutes into play, but the Fighting Irish would score three in a row to close out the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, Notre Dame held a one-goal advantage, but a flurry of three Cavalier goals — two courtesy of Galica — secured a 6-4 Virginia lead at the half.
The Cavaliers were firing on all cylinders, keeping the Fighting Irish at bay with great individual defending and making the most of their opportunities on offense. Yet, contrary to past contests where Virginia picked up their play in the second half, the Cavaliers came out flat-footed when the whistle blew for the third period to start. Notre Dame would reclaim the lead, and shut out Virginia for the entirety of the period.
It seemed that once again, the Cavaliers would have to make something happen in the final quarter. Galica was happy to oblige, scoring and assisting in the final period to secure Virginia the conference win. Galica was instrumental in the victory, coupling elite offensive play with clutch draw controls — a performance that LaMonica emphasized.
“Kate was outstanding on the draws, which set the tone,” LaMonica said.
The Cavaliers didn’t just secure a much-needed win Sunday — they reclaimed their identity as a team. Fast movement on offense, hard work on defense and durable spirit are qualities that LaMonica’s teams have shown year in and year out — it just took a couple of games to find it this year.
Virginia returns to action at Klöckner Stadium Saturday, where it faces another tough test in No. 2 Stanford. First draw is set for noon and the game will be broadcasted on ACCNX.
Read More
The merciful Cavaliers go undefeated at the Mizuno Classic, extending win streak to 12
By Joby Jung | 15 hours agoThis weekend, the Cavaliers continued their stellar start.
Sophomore Puregger shines in truncated Sykes Individual
By Stephen O'Dea | 17 hours agoThe Cavaliers now look ahead to a journey to Las Vegas, Nev. this upcoming weekend for the Southern Highlands Invitational hosted by UNLV — an event packed with top competition and the potential for major ranking implications if the Cavaliers were to turn in an uncharacteristic performance.
No. 15 women’s tennis beats No. 23 SMU in first home dual of conference play
By Thomas Baxter | 17 hours agoThe Cavaliers are now 2-0 in conference play, another ranked win under their belt.
