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Sophomore Liz Downs is a second-year starting defender on the ninth-ranked women’s lacrosse team. Downs is second on the team in ground balls, scooping up 20 and has become a major contributor to Virginia’s transition game.
Downs will look to help spark the Cavaliers as they embark on a four-game road swing, beginning tonight at Old Dominion before heading to Massachusetts to face Boston College and Harvard this Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Opening draw with the Monarchs is scheduled for 3 p.m., while both game times are slated for 1 p.m. this weekend.
Question: The team heads on the road for three-straight away games this week. How are you able to prepare for that?
Downs: Even though we have three games in the next five days, it’s never good to look to far down the road. Right now our focus has been on our first match up against Old Dominion tonight. It’s really hard to focus when we have a long bus ride or a trip to our game, so I try to listen to pump up music towards the end of the trip closer to game time.
Question: In that stretch though, the team concludes its ACC schedule at Boston College. How important is it to win that game?
Downs: That game will be huge. We haven’t been very successful in our ACC matchups this season, so coming out with a big win against Boston College will show the other teams in the ACC how strong we can be.
Question: Who has been your favorite ACC team to play? Why?
Downs: I really enjoy playing Duke. I have played with and against many of the girls on their team in the past and it is always a really intense but friendly competition.
Question: What do you love about playing lacrosse at Virginia?
Downs: I love playing lacrosse at Virginia because I am with my best friends all the time. And everyone on the team, including the coaches and the trainers, are completely invested in every aspect of our season.
Question: You are one of a long list of players to have come to Virginia through St. Stephen’s/ St. Agnes. What drew your attention to Virginia? Or what made you decide to come to Charlottesville to play?
Downs: I think that I was drawn to UVa because it was the complete package. Many girls from my high school team have come through the program and had great things to say about the team and the school, so I knew that it would be a good fit for me.
Question: The team has had a few close games this year. In those close games, which do you think is the difference maker offense or defense? Why?
Downs: I honestly think that it’s a complete team effort and both ends are equally important. The defense has to be strong enough to hold the other team, while the offense needs to take care of the ball and score goals if needed.
Question: Off the field, what is something that most people don’t know about you?
Downs: I was born on Friday the 13th