Virginia won an instant classic over Maryland by a score of 17-16 capturing their second national title in a row, the first back to back championship in the programs history. Connor Shellenberger was a huge part of the win going for 4 goals and 2 assists. The redshirt freshman was too much for Maryland to handle all day long. Teammate Matt Moore also put up 4 goals and 2 helpers in the win, both players taking only 7 shots. That efficiency in scoring would prove key down the stretch as Maryland turned up the heat defensively and started to battle back late.
UVA Keeper Alex Rode and the Cavaliers defense played an excellent game, outplaying their counterparts for the Terps just enough to squeak out the win. Rode’s last second save to seal the victory will go down in Virginia history as one of the biggest moments of all time.
Tewaaraton winner Jared Bernhardt was held to 2 goals and 3 assists, an excellent outing to be sure, but a touch off of his season average. Petey LaSalla won the lions share of face-offs for the Cav’s, but the Terps forcing turnovers between the boxes evened out that possession battle, and allowed Maryland to keep pace right down to the end of the game.
In other news, Gary Gait was named Syracuse’s 5th lacrosse coach in over 100 years as John Desko decided to retire while I was walking around Magic Kingdom. The transition should be as smooth as coaching changes can go with Desko offering to help out in any way he can, and Gait obviously accepting his former coach’s offer.
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