Sports

Zips seek redemption at Virginia

In an inter-conference matchup that promises to be a fascinating game, the Virginia football team will take on Akron in a homecoming weekend contest that will test the Cavaliers' newfound confidence and offer the Zips a chance to regain theirs. Virginia (1-2) is coming off their emotional win over the South Carolina Gamecocks two weeks ago in Charlottesville, and has enjoyed the distinct advantage of a bye week.

Fall Classic: 'Let's play five!'

This weekend the Virginia softball team will open their fall season with the home field advantage. The Cavaliers will host six teams in the U.Va Fall Classic, with their top competition coming from a Virginia Tech squad that ended last season 42-18 (12-8 Big East) and from a Longwood team that finished 37-14 (19-3 CVAC). The Cavaliers, who are coming off the second most successful season in school history, will use the Classic and the rest of the fall season to help build a team that can improve on last year's 45-22 record (1-6 ACC). "The fall is a really good time for us to evaluate all of our talent and give everyone a chance out on the field," Virginia Coach Cheryl Sprangel said. Virginia will be looking for leadership following the graduation of two-time state softball Player of the Year Kristen Dennis, but Sprangel has confidence in her team's abilities. She will turn to key returners like sophomore outfielder Valerie Sevilla, and look for immediate contributions from the five freshmen -- each of whom will step onto the field for the first time in a Virginia uniform this weekend. "We are pleased with [the freshmen's] ability, and how well they are getting along with the rest of the team," Sprangel said. Achieving team chemistry ranks among the main goals for a fall season that will take the Cavaliers to Blacksburg Oct.

Sports in Brief

Three men

Men's team serves up inaugural tournament

The Virginia men's tennis team is preparing to host a plethora of schools this weekend in the first U.Va.

Cavs sputter to second straight loss

RICHMOND -- After a humbling 3-1 loss to No. 5 James Madison on Sunday, the field hockey team wanted to return to the field with a bang in last night's game against Richmond.

Despite Cav win, do not underestimate Zips

The Akron Zips have been outscored 173-71 this season, and although this winless team couldn't pull off a victory, they were much closer to achieving that goal than the final score indicated Saturday.

Sports in Brief

Volleyball team downs Virginia Commonwealth With the advantage in blocks (10-3) and service aces (13-9), the Cavs improved their record to 5-7 on Tuesday at Alltel Pavilion, while VCU slipped to 7-4.

California love from a native son

Last season, the University of Oregon spent $250,000 for an 80 by 100-foot Times Square billboard of Heisman hopeful Joey Harrington. The Ducks went at it again this year, spending $300,000 for a billboard of receiver Keenan Howry.

Virginia offense comes together to blow by Akron

Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub threw five touchdown passes and freshman tailback Wali Lundy ran for 102 yards Saturday to lead Virginia to a 48-29 victory over the Akron Zips in front of a crowd of 56,216 at Scott Stadium.

Akron signal caller anything but a small Frye

As Akron's winless football program continues to simmer languidly amid three consecutive defeats, sophomore quarterback Charlie Frye is quickly rising to renewed successes on the field. Through three games this season, Frye has remained a steadfast force in an otherwise humble offensive program.

Virginia goes to double overtime to down Tribe, win invitational

With a pair of important victories over two in-state rivals under their belts, the No. 16 Virginia women's soccer team (4-2-1) returns home after a successful weekend of stiff competition at the William & Mary Nike Tribe Invitational.

Virginia fails to answer Tar Heels

Chapel Hill, N.C. -- The Virginia men's soccer team can't seem to get a break. Saturday night they extended their atypical losing streak to three games, a position they haven't been in for over 20 years.

Kwakou makes opposing defenses quake for Virginia

Kwakou means "male child born on Wednesday," and Kwakou Robinson was indeed born on Wednesday, July 13, 1983.

Kaufman makes mark on and off the court

Kiersten Kaufman isn't your typical jock, but she's certainly not an underachiever, either. The senior rightside hitter prides herself on this individuality. "Compared to the rest of the team, I'd be pretty unique," Kaufman said.

Cavs look to bounce back against Spiders

The Virginia field hockey team looks to get back on track at the University of Richmond today following an eye-opening loss to James Madison over the weekend.

Sports in Brief

Golf takes ninth place at Vanderbilt's Mason Rudolph Collegiate Led by freshman Brad Tilley, the Virginia men's golf team finished ninth of 11 teams at the Mason Rudolph Collegiate at Vanderbilt yesterday. Tilley, competing in his first collegiate meet, shot 215 (5 over par) to finish in a tie for 28th.

The Wilderness of the Wild Card

Nearly a decade after Major League Baseball became the last major sport to include a wild card spot in its playoffs, this baseball season has renewed the debate over the pros and cons of the "wild card." In the National League, every divisional winner essentially already is determined -- Atlanta (in the East), St.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu looking for members Ever wanted to pick up some real-world fighting skills, but don't really want to commit or put up with years of classes to learn techniques that may or may not work?

Groh, Cavaliers focus on high-octane Zips

The Cavaliers (1-2, 0-1 ACC) had a week off following their 34-21 victory over South Carolina on Sept.

Virginia expects dogfight against in-state rival VCU

Hoping to ride the momentum of the weekend, the Virginia women's volleyball team (4-7) will travel to Richmond to face Virginia Commonwealth University tonight at 7.