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The Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team won its sixth National Championship on Monday with a dominating 13-9 win over the Yale Bulldogs. Goalkeeper Alex Rode was named the tournament Most Outstanding Player for his 19-save performance in the 2OT semifinal win over Duke and his 13-save outing against the Bulldogs.
Virginia’s defense was stellar, holding a potent Yale attack to just nine goals — their first single-digit scoring game in 20 games — as the Hoos caused 15 turnovers, disrupted the Bulldogs into committing 20 total turnovers, and broke up eight of Yale’s 23 clears in the game.
On offense, Matt Moore had four goals and set a new single-season school record for scoring. Michael Kraus added three goals, and Dox Aitken and Petey LaSalla added two goals apiece in the win. Ian Laviano was able to ice the win with a low-angle, long-distance open net goal with 1:06 left on the clock.
Check out the highlights:
Ending the year with the National Championship @UVAMensLax with the 13-9 victory over Yale to secure the Title! ⤵️#GoHoos #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/80bjkpd4Pw
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) May 28, 2019
The team rushed the field and received the coveted trophy as orange and blue confetti fell and “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner blared over the speakers at Lincoln Financial in Philadelphia. Players and coaches shared hugs and took turns cutting up a piece of the net.
.@UVAMensLax is on top of the world! NATTY CHAMPS #GoHoos #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/SB4AWUocYu
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) May 27, 2019
✂️ cutting the net in Philly!!#Wahoowa, @UVAMensLax!!#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/5jL2rrOW07
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) May 27, 2019
After the game, the Virginia locker room celebrated with music and cheers. Much like they had after the previous games in the tournament, the players started the raucous party to “Rock and Roll Part 2” (the go Hoos go cheer):
U-V-A GO HOOS GO!!!
— Virginia Cavaliers (@VirginiaSports) May 27, 2019
#GoHoos #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/3ced0CvMLy
On the other side of the wall, Coach Tiffany, Michael Kraus, Alex Rode, and Matt Moore sat answering questions for the media. As Tiffany began to answer a question, the music came through the walls. “I love that song,” Tiffany said mid-answer after the first round of “U-V-A, GO-HOOS-GO” came muted through the wall. Kraus and Moore nodded along with the tune, with Moore giving a fist pump for the first “U”.
The @NCAALAX press conference room is right next to the @UVAMensLax locker room. This is the second time through the chorus of Rock and Roll Part 2. It’s coming through the walls.
— Terry Foy (@TerenceFoy) May 27, 2019
After the first chorus, Lars said “I love that song.” pic.twitter.com/hM42jdZSqA
On the long drive back to Charlottesville, the team tested their singing chops with of “We Are the Champions” and another rendition of “Rock and Roll Part 2” led by Coach Tiffany.
Rolling Into Charlottesville like ... GO-HOOS-GO‼️ #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/K0jVXAqzHf
— Virginia Men's Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) May 28, 2019
Congrats, Hoos!