Monday Motivation: Virginia football goes 1-0!!

We made it, friends. The long summer nightmare without any Virginia sports is over, and all of the glorious fall sports have returned to our lives. For those new to this weekly piece, I’m here to help you rejoice in all the good things UVA-related over the past week.

Let’s get straight to it.

Rapid Fire

-Men’s soccer remained undefeated on the season, improving to 2-0 with a 4-0 win over Hofstra. Edward Opoku contributed a goal and two assists, and the Hoos also got goals from Pablo Aguilar, Daniel Barir, and Julian Cummings.

The goal by Cummings was the first in his career, and Virginia goalie Jeff Caldwell earned his first season shutout with three saves. Virginia outshot the Pride 12-10 in the victory.

Next up, the Hoos take on UNC-W in Charlottesville, tonight, at 7pm.

-The #10 women’s field hockey team picked up two victories this week: a 9-0 drubbing of Columbia, and a 5-3 win over Monmouth.

Virginia is now 3-1 on the season, with their lone blemish coming in a 4-2 loss to #7 Penn State.

Next up, the Hoos host #2 Duke on Friday.

-I love when former UVA players get together again.

-Former Virginia baseball player Artie Lewicki is making his MLB debut tonight with the Detroit Tigers after the Tigers traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros.

Tune in at 1:10pm ET to see Lewicki in action!

-This was fun:

-Current Virginia Basketball player Justice Bartley will be speaking at the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia picnic on September 24th.

“You can get bitter or you can get better.” Well said, Justice.

-The Virginia Athletics Department joined the effort to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, getting together what appears to be a gigantic shipment of shoes and gear.

Way to go, Hoos!

-PAVIN SMITH.

-This is one of those “oh that’s awesome” but also “stay away from our coaches” moments:

Team of the Week

Virginia Football opened their season with a win, making it just the first time since 2013 the Hoos started with a 1-0 record. That makes them this week’s Team of the Week.

Virginia defeated William & Mary 28-10 behind a three touchdown (no interception) day from quarterback Kurt Benkert and two touchdowns for running back Jordan Ellis. Virginia’s defense was solid (minus one scoring drive from the Tribe where QB Tommy McKee ran roughshod) with Malcolm Cook leading the way with 13 tackles.

While there were several areas in which the Hoos can improve from their week one performance, starting 1-0 is SIGNIFICANTLY more fun than 0-1.

Next up, Virginia welcomes Big Ten foe Indiana to town in a 3:30pm showdown.

Wahoo of the Week

The FIRST 2017-2018 season Streaking the Lawn Monday Motivation Wahoo of the Week goes to...TARA VITTESE!! The reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year and back to back NFHCA National Player of the Year (2015 and 2016) already has 12 goals and seven assists this season in four games. Vittese scored all five of Virginia’s goals against Monmouth, making her the first UVA player to score five goals in a single game since Su Cox in 1975.

As always, GO HOOS!