Despite five losses, a low postseason seed and a few recent disciplinary matters, the UVA men’s lacrosse team clinched its fifth national title yesterday in a 9-7 win against the University of Maryland. The Cavaliers’ first NCAA championship since 2006 followed a year of increased vigilance among coaches and media following the 2010 arrest of UVA lacrosse player George Huguely and scrutiny of players’ habits and criminal records.
Colin Briggs, a junior midfielder who was previously suspended for undisclosed reasons and did not start the game, scored five goals off the bench and earned MVP honors. Tied at six goals with 11:43 left in the game, Cavalier midfielder Matt White notched two goals while attacker Nick O’Reilly earned two assists.
Following the game, UVA Coach Dom Starsia credited his players, family and UVA support for the title.
“We had to reconfigure ourselves midway through the season,” said Starsia of his team. “They had to decide that it was important enough to pick themselves up and get going again.”