Men's Lacrosse Downs Defending National Champion Princeton, 6-4

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PRINCETON, N.J. – Michael Leahy scored two goals and freshman goalie Derek Kenney recorded six saves in the fourth quarter to lead Virginia to a 6-4 win over three-time defending national champion Princeton at the Class of 1952 Stadium in Princeton, N.J. The Cavaliers even their record at 1-1, while Princeton falls to 0-2 this season. The loss is just the eighth in the last five seasons for Princeton, with four coming against Virginia.

Typically an explosive offensive team, Virginia’s six goals today marked the fewest for the Cavaliers in a win since a 6-5 victory over the Carling Lacrosse Club in 1973.

Virginia scored twice in the first 3:23 of what would become a defensive battle for ball control and possession time. The Cavaliers led 4-2 at halftime and extended their lead to 6-2 with third quarter goals from Tucker Radebaugh and Leahy. The homestanding Tigers made things interesting with two goals in the final quarter to pull within 6-4. The Tigers won the faceoff following their fourth goal, but Kenney prevented the Tigers from drawing closer by turning back a shot a short time later. Kenney, playing in only his second collegiate game, had six saves in the final 15 minutes and 10 for the game.

“I was petrified of going 0-2,” said Virginia coach Dom Starsia. “I thought we did a good job of controlling the ball, and I’m glad to get out of here with a win over a tough team.”

Leahy was the only player in the game with more than one goal, as Drew McKnight, Hanley Holcomb, Conor Gill and Tucker Radebaugh scored once each for the Cavaliers. Princeton picked up goals from John Harrington, Matt Striebel, Chris Berrier and Josh Sims. Princeton’s Trevor Tierney had a big day in goal, making a career-high 17 saves. Tierney replaced Corey Popham, last year’s MVP of the Final Four, in the starting lineup.

Scoring by Qtr.	  1    2    3    4    FinalVirginia (1-1)    3    1    2    0    -6Princeton (0-2)   2    0    0    2    -4Attendance-2,612

Team Quarter Time Goal Assist ScoreV First 2:08 Drew McKnight V, 1-0V First 3:23 Hanley Holcomb V, 2-0P First 10:41 John Harrington V, 2-1V First 10:59 Conor Gill V, 3-1P First 12:52 Matt Striebel V, 3-2V Second 2:11 Michael Leahy* HolcombV, 4-2V Third 8:17 Tucker Radebaugh* V, 5-2V Third 9:18 Leahy* Radebaugh V, 6-2P Fourth 4:56 Chris Berrier V, 6-3P Fourth 11:02 Josh Sims V, 6-4* extra man goal

Virginia Scoring

Goals-Michael Leahy 2, Drew McKnight 1, Hanley Holcomb 1, Conor Gill 1, Tucker Radebaugh 1.

Assists – Holcomb 1, Radebaugh 1.

Princeton Scoring

Goals – John Harrington 1, Matt Striebel 1, Chris Berrier 1, Josh Sims 1.

Assists – none.

Statistics

Goalies
V-Derek Kenney 4 goals, 10 saves
P-Trevor Tierney 6 goals, 17 saves

Shots
V-37
P-30

Ground Balls
V-50
P-39

Extra Man Scoring
V-3 of 4
P-0 of 4

Penalties
V-4/3:30
P-4/3:00

Face-0ffs
V-5
P-9