Virginia redshirt sophomore Ainsley Baker was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Lacrosse Player of the Week for the period ending on Sunday, March 14. Baker, who was also named the WomensLax.com Player of the Week today, led the Cavaliers to their first conference win of the season, a 13-12 upset win over No. 3 North Carolina in overtime, on Saturday.
Baker scored a career-high five goals, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the eighth-ranked Cavaliers to a win in their season debut at Klöckner Stadium. Despite UVa being down 4-0 just 2:40 into play, the Corning, N.Y., native opened the scoring for the Cavaliers at the 26:58 mark. She tallied another goal midway through the half before completing the first hat trick of her career with the final goal before halftime to send the conference foes into the break tied 8-8.
Baker added another goal in the second half before scoring the game-winner about two minutes into overtime. She has scored in the last four games for Virginia and has notched nine goals and one assist this season.
The Cavaliers will head to William & Mary for a midweek contest with their in-state rival on Wednesday. Opening draw is slated for 7 p.m.