[caption id="attachment_48187" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Senior cornerback Chase Minnifield improved the odds that he and his team will win some hardware this year with a 54-yard interception return for a score.
Every Saturday, certain Scott Stadium staples highlight the crowd. There are the two reincarnated Thomas Jeffersons that break it down on the Jumbotron and the two unidentified students sporting full body orange suits who run loose on the hill. Against Duke, there was a fan donning a disturbingly realistic horse mask and another shirtless fellow with the words "No, I will not sit down," painted on his back.
[caption id="attachment_48184" align="alignleft" width="214" caption="Sophomore guard KT Harrell's offseason improvements were evident Sunday as he tallied 13 points and a career-high three assists and two steals against South Carolina State Sunday.
[caption id="attachment_48182" align="alignleft" width="174" caption="Senior forward Chelsea Shine ensured new coach Joanne Boyle's Virginia debut was a victorious one as she finished with 15 points and eight rebounds Friday.
The No. 8 Virginia women's soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-0 victory Friday against Northeast Conference champion Long Island.
After a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, the No.
[caption id="attachment_48119" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Senior safety Rodney McLeod was voted ACC Defensive Back of the Week after hauling in three interceptions against Maryland last Saturday.
When you lose a loved one, a tidal wave of emotion washes over you. At the funeral. The wake. After the first week, month, year.
[caption id="attachment_48116" align="alignleft" width="233" caption="Senior forward Mike Scott will play in his first game since injuring his ankle in late December last year.
[caption id="attachment_48114" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Senior defender Molly Menchel sits fifth on the team with 12 points.
The Virginia women's basketball team opens its season at home tonight against Appalachian State in a game which will offer both a snapshot of where it is and a glimpse of what it wants to become. Many pundits have labeled 2011-12 a "transition" or "rebuilding" year for the Cavaliers as coach Joanne Boyle replaces the legendary Debbie Ryan, who led the program for the past 34 years. Although it will take time for a new coaching staff to install its system, Boyle plans to "tweak" her game plan to cater to Virginia's experienced core. The team returns its top four scorers from last season in senior guard Ariana Moorer, sophomore forward Ataira Franklin, senior forward Chelsea Shine and junior guard China Crosby, who alongside leading rebounder junior center Simone Egwu, form a balanced and veteran Cavalier starting lineup. The team's potential is apparent, but so are its shortcomings as it seems to lack a true go-to scorer and depth off the bench.
[caption id="attachment_48040" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Redshirt senior Nick Nelson, who ranks No.
Free tattoos, lucrative deals with agents and free luxury SUV rentals are one thing. What's happening at Penn State is a completely different animal. In a year in which program-rocking "improper benefit" scandals at Ohio State, North Carolina and Miami have shaken fans' faith in college football, Saturday's arrest of long-time Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky for the sexual assault of eight young boys and of two high-ranking school officials for failing to properly report the transgressions has raised far more troubling questions about Penn State's program - and about its iconic coach, 84-year-old Joe Paterno. For as much as we have opined about the hypocrisy of big-time programs or the NCAA's pettiness, these travesties pale in comparison to the dehumanizing act of sexually terrorizing young boys or the equally sickening act of knowing about it and covering for the perpetrator.
[caption id="attachment_48037" align="alignleft" width="255" caption="Junior setter Beth Wildermuth currently ranks No.
[caption id="attachment_48035" align="alignleft" width="142" caption="Senior Chase Minnfield nabbed a spot as a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy yesterday afternoon.
[caption id="attachment_47970" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sophomore forward Brian Span netted a header in the 74th minute and then drilled a shot with 20 seconds left in double overtime to give Virginia a 4-3 win.
[caption id="attachment_47968" align="alignleft" width="175" caption="New coach Joanne Boyle spent six successful years revamping California's program and was named the Pac 10's Coach of the Year in 2007.
[caption id="attachment_47966" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sophomore tackle Morgan Mose, sophomore guard Luke Bowanko, senior center Anthony Mihota, senior guard Austin Pasztor and senior center Anthony Mihota form an offensive line which has allowed the 13th fewest sacks nationwide.
Last week, after the Giants had just rallied back to beat the woeful Dolphins, I strongly considered writing a column dedicated solely to Eli Manning.
[caption id="attachment_47912" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Despite falling victim to injury earlier this season, senior forward Brian Ownby has hit his stride recently and currently ranks second on the team in scoring.
