Q&A with Jenny Hauser

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Senior All-American Jenny Hauser has been a main force for the Cavaliers this season, ranking among the top attackers in the ACC and earning all-conference honors for her performances. A crafty lefty, Hauser and the Cavaliers learned on Sunday that they earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament and will head to Durham, N.C., this Sunday to face fifth-seed Duke in the first round. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Koskinen Stadium.

Question: How excited is the team about earning a bid to the NCAAs?
Hauser: It’s the best feeling. We were all really anxious to get that bid and we knew we were on the bubble, so to get in was a relief and so exciting. Our season continues.

Question: The opponent will be Duke. Does it make for a more interesting match-up since both teams know each other so well?
Hauser: Playing Duke is a great opportunity for us. We’ve got a tough road from the start and playing Duke is just a confirmation that we are going to have to play our very best from the start. They’re ACC rivals and it’s our first chance to show them the team we can be instead of the team that lost to them in the regular season.

Question: What is it going to take to beat Duke?
Hauser: We’re all going to have to play our best lacrosse. Everyone has to bring their ‘A’ game from here on out because it’s go hard or go home.

Question: In the regular season game against the Blue Devils, Virginia lost by one goal. In close games, what do you think is the difference maker – offense or defense?
Hauser: I know that defense wins championships but in games like that it’s on all of us to win. It all depends on which end of the field the ball is on when the game is winding down.

Question: What are going to be the keys to the team’s success this postseason?
Hauser: Staying hungry. We want it all and whatever happened in the season, the NCAA tournament is a brand new one. We are going to be fully prepared for every game we play from here on out.

Question: As one of eight seniors, you are all quickly approaching your final game in a Virginia uniform. As a class, what are your goals for making sure you end on a high note?
Hauser: We want to win the national championship – everyone on our team does. As a class we want to leave a legacy of being hard workers, good friends and great leaders.

Question: As a ‘senior will’, what would you like to leave for an underclassman?
Hauser: I’d like to give Molly Millard her stick back. We traded preseason and the one I gave her broke within a month but I have used hers all season.

Question: What do you think you will miss the most about Virginia lacrosse?
Hauser: Everything.