Virginia Women’s Lacrosse Faces Tough Defeat Against Boston College in ACC Quarterfinals
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a pivotal match at the prestigious ACC Quarterfinals, the No. 8 Virginia women’s lacrosse team (11-6) was bested by No. 2 Boston College (17-1), suffering a heavy 17-7 loss on April 23 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Turning Point: An Unstoppable Run
The game started competitively, with **Virginia taking an early 2-1 lead**, courtesy of a goal from sophomore attacker Addi Foster. However, Boston College quickly retaliated, netting back-to-back goals to shift momentum and take a 3-2 advantage. Virginia’s junior defender Nicole Cruthirds showcased her agility by sprinting the length of the field to score her first career goal, equalizing the game at 3-3. Unfortunately, this proved to be Virginia’s last significant moment of the match as BC broke open a tight contest with a stunning 11-1 run that stretched from 11:30 in the second quarter to the end of the third.
Halftime Report: A Challenge Ahead
As the teams headed into halftime, Boston College held a commanding 10-4 lead. The Eagles maintained their dominance, extending their advantage to 14-4 by the close of the third quarter, leaving the Cavaliers scrambling for answers.
Standout Performers
Despite the lopsided score, there were some bright spots for Virginia. Sophomore attacker Jenna DiNardo led the Cavaliers with two goals, while Addi Foster contributed one goal and an assist. In goal, junior Mel Josephson showcased her skills with an impressive 11 saves, fighting off wave after wave of BC offense.
Coach’s Perspective
Reflecting on the game, Head Coach Sonia Lamonica expressed her pride in the team’s determination: “I’m so, so proud of our fight to the end today. This outcome will only fuel our fire further. We certainly improved from our last outing against BC, who had an amazing game tonight. But we’re fighters, and we’re going to keep getting better from this. So, overall, I’m just really proud of this team.”
Game Notes and Statistics
- Boston College was the No. 2 seed in the tournament, while Virginia held the No. 7 seed.
- Shots: Boston College outshot Virginia 36-31.
- Draw Controls: Virginia had a slight edge with 17-10 in draw controls.
- Notably, Nicole Cruthirds scored her first career goal on her very first shot.
- Other contributors for Virginia included Madison Alaimo, Devon Gogerty, and Katie Campel — each registering one goal.
- BC’s goalkeeper, Shea Dolce, was a formidable barrier with 14 saves.
Looking Ahead
As the Virginia women’s lacrosse team reflects on this challenging defeat, hopes remain high for the upcoming NCAA Selection Show, airing on Sunday, May 4, at 9 p.m. on ESPNU. The Cavaliers have shown resilience throughout the season and are poised to use this experience as a launchpad for future growth.
