From UVa Sports Information; Photo: cville-lax.com

  Photo copyright (c) 2007 Tom McCrystal  
 

The Cavalier women face #6 JMU, led by team captain and Tewaaraton Trophy candidate Kelly Berger (3), seen here in action against Notre Dame, February 18, 2007. Berger is currently tied for #3 on JMU’s all-time assist list, as well as #4 in both goals (156) and points (222). (Click for a larger image: 84K)


 

The Virginia Women’s lacrosse team, 8-1 on the season, puts its national-best record on the line with a trip to Harrisonburg on Wednesday, March 28th when the Cavaliers face the Dukes of James Madison. Both teams are ranked the top-10 in all four polls.

The Cavaliers rank third in the nation in scoring defense with a miniscule 6.56, led by goalie Kendall McBrearty. McBrearty sports a save percentage of .521, which ranks 14th in the nation. Virginia defenders Jessy Morgan and Jen Holden are members of the US National Team, and along with Claire Bordley have started the last two years.

Co-captain Jess Wasilewski and US team member Megan O’Malley patrol the midfield along with first-years Brittany Kalkstin and Kaitlin Duff. Kalkstin leads Virginia in draw controls and her and Duff rank first and second among all rookies nationally. Duff also leads Virginia in ground balls.

Virginia’s attack is led by Kate Breslin, who ranks 29th nationally in scoring. She is joined by National Rookie Of The Year Blair Weymouth and Ashley McCulloch. McCulloch ranks 23rd nationally in assists per game. The Virginia offense is ranked in the top-20 nationally, and the Cavaliers rank seventh nationally in margin of victory.

James Madison has won six consecutive games since an opening day loss to Notre Dame in double overtime. Ironically that game was held in Charlottesville in February. The Cavaliers hold a 24-10-1 edge in the series after last years 17-6 win in Charlottesville. That game was the 500th varsity contest in Virginia lacrosse history. Opening draw is slated for 7 p.m.