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Junior Brittany Kalkstein won eight draw controls in the women’s lacrosse team’s 14-11 upset win over No. 3 Syracuse Friday night in the Carrier Dome. Kalkstein is Virginia’s single-season record holder in draw controls and is currently ranked third on the program’s career list at just the beginning of her third year. Nationally, she ranks sixth this season, winning 18 draws in four contests.
Making the switch to a main defender this season, Kalkstein anchors the Cavaliers’ nationally-ranked defensive unit that will look to shut down the No. 3 Maryland Terrapins when they visit Klckner Stadium on Friday for a 7 p.m. contest.
Question: What was it like to be a part of a double-header with the men’s teams in the Carrier Dome?
Kalkstein: It was definitely one of the most fun experiences I’ve had playing lacrosse. Coming off a huge win and then being able to cheer the men’s team on to victory certainly made me proud to be a Cavalier.
Question: You’ve consistently been one of the nations leaders in draw controls. What has allowed you to be so successful at winning draws?
Kalkstein: I think draw controls are one of the most important aspects in the game of lacrosse. Winning them has been something that I have focused on since high school. We’ve also dedicated some practice time to working on draws, which has certainly been beneficial.
Question: You’ve made the switch this year to being primarily a defender. How has that transition been?
Kalkstein: It’s been tough getting used to, but I trust the coach’s decisions and am willing to do whatever it takes to win. The switch has also allowed me to be able to focus more on draws and put more energy into that.
Question: The team has a big game ahead, hosting Maryland on Friday – which is coming off a big conference win over Duke. What are you expecting this game to be like?
Kalkstein: You can always expect the same thing when you play Maryland – a very competitive game. There is never a dull moment when we play Maryland, which makes it so fun.
Question: Who is your favorite ACC team to play?
Kalkstein: My favorite ACC team to play is Maryland. It’s always a very competitive game and I have friends who play there – which makes it fun and exciting.
Question: What made you decide to come and play for Virginia?
Kalkstein: When I was deciding where I wanted to go to school my mom and I made a huge poster with the three other schools I was considering. The poster had different categories that were important to me – the campus, the squad, the coaches and, of course, boys. Virginia dominated all of the categories and I couldn’t be happier here.