Robert Morris came to Klockner stadium as the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense, but even that proved not enough for Chris Bocklet’s career-high six goals and three assists, as the No. 1 ranked Virginia men’s lacrosse team blew by the Colonials 18-9 on Senior Day. Virginia concluded its regular season 14-1, after having won the ACC Championship just one week prior.
The 13 seniors that were recognized yesterday afternoon would not be denied a victory in their regular season finale.
The Cavaliers jumped off to a quick 4-1 lead over the Colonials and found themselves still up three goals going into the intermission at 8-5.
"I didn’t get hysterical at halftime, just felt that we were better than that," said Virginia coach Dom Starsia.
Coming out of the half, Virginia went on a 7-0 run over two periods, four of which came from sophomore Chris Bocklet. Starsia was no doubt thrilled by his team’s performance in the second half, and it’s got to be exactly how the Cavaliers wanted to end the season before they take head into the NCAA tournament in hopes of the first national championship title any of these boys on the team have seen.
"I think it is a little melancholy for these guys - it being their last regular season game," said Starsia. "It clearly adds to the emotion, and makes it a little more difficult overall. I think we were motivated in getting ready to play a good team. Robert Morris was a little better than everyone had expected, and it was a complicated day in some ways. The senior group is a really special group, but I was glad that we got the win. We've had a tremendous regular season, and I think that we have a lot to be proud."
Virginia will have a first-round bye in the NCAA tournament and will be hosting their second-round game. Seedings and pairings will be announced on May 9.