Lacrosse Blogs

Defense wins championships…except in lacrosse.

The combined offense in this game was ridiculous. UVA and Duke combined for over 80 shots, over 26 goals, and more than one heartache.

The momentum of the game seemed to swing like a pendulum. As I started to write about Duke’s defense playing good and giving their goalie some needed support, they then started to crumble. When I was starting to write about UVA stepping it up, they start making mental mistakes.

The whole game while exciting was marred by sloppy play. Missed passes, missed slides created many…MANY scoring opportunities, and each team took advantage of each others errors. There was a total of 34 turnovers, with only 15 caused (19 unforced). The key to the game would be who would capitalize on the other’s mistakes more.

Virginia’s play all night was summed up in their last play of the game. Sloppy. With 8 seconds left, Virginia took a time out. Set up a play. When they came back on the field, the whistle blew and they went off-sides, killing any chance for a last second goal. All they had to do was cross midfield and shoot on net. Duke’s goalie was sieve-like all night letting in 13 goals with only 7 saves.

Duke now faces an underrated Notre Dame team in the championship on Monday.

Neither team has won a championship. It is a guarantee a new king will be crowned.

Watch for our preview tomorrow.