Virginia falls to Duke, losing first game of the season

By: | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: April 12, 2009

The University of Virginia's nemesis in men's lacrosse - ACC rival Duke - spoiled the Cavaliers' perfect season yesterday in Durham, N.C.

The game was shown on ESPN2, and viewers who didn't know U.Va. was ranked No. 1 nationally never would have guessed that. The No. 8 Blue Devils didn't trail in their 15-10 romp at Koskinen Stadium.

The loss was the Cavaliers' most one-sided since a year ago today, when Duke humbled them 19-9 at Klockner Stadium.

No player on Virginia coach Dom Starsia's roster has defeated Duke. The Wahoos have dropped six in a row to the Devils since beating them April 17, 2004.

U.Va. scored three straight goals in the third quarter, the last by by former Collegiate star Mike Thompson, to pull to 9-6. But Duke (2-1 ACC, 8-4 overall) ran off five goals before Virginia (2-1, 12-1) scored again.

Danny Glading has had an illustrious career, but the senior attackman never scored a goal against Duke before yesterday. He broke through in emphatic fashion, totaling four goals to lead U.Va.

Virginia closes the regular season Saturday against Dartmouth at Klockner Stadium. Then comes the ACC tournament in Chapel Hill, N.C., and another date with Duke.

U.Va., Duke and Maryland tied for first in the ACC. Maryland allowed the fewest goals in games between the tied teams, however, and so earned the No. 1 seed. Second-seeded Duke and No. 3 seed Virginia will meet in the second semifinal April 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Virginia ------------------------- 2 1 3 4 - 10
Duke ------------------------- 3 3 5 4 - 15

Goals - Virginia: Glading 4, Stanwick 3, Thompson, Billings, R. Bratton. Duke: Quinzani 4, Turri 3, Catalino 2, Crotty 2, Howell 2, W. McKee, Ross.

Assists - Virginia: Glading, Thompson, Stanwick, Gaudet, S. Bratton. Duke: Crotty 6, Turri 2, Howell 2, Catalino, Schoeffel.

Goalies - Virginia: Ghitelman (60 minutes, 7 saves, 15 goals allowed). Duke: Schroeder (60, 13, 10).