Cavaliers Drop Exhibition Contest to Team USA at Disney

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ORLANDO, Fla. – The Virginia women’s lacrosse team played its first exhibition game at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex Saturday evening, dropping a 21-6 contest to the U.S. Women’s National Senior Team at Disney.

Virginia was led by redshirt junior Ainsley Baker and junior Josie Owen – both coming off from season-ending injuries from last year, in addition to junior Julie Gardner. Baker notched the game’s first goal, from Gardner, just 1:14 into play, before the US National Team went on a five-goal spurt by the 16:43 mark.

Owen then got on the board as the Cavaliers broke through the Red, White and Blue’s defense before Owen beat the goalie out on the field and scored on an open net.

The USA closed the half with another five-straight scores to take a 10-2 advantage.

Virginia halted a three-goal streak to open the second half with a goal from Owen – assisted by Baker. Gardner then fired a second goal midway through the frame before the Cavaliers finished off the game with the contest’s final two goals, the first from Baker, the other from Gardner.

Baker finished the contest with four points on two goals and two assists, while Gardner had three points on two goals and an assist. Owen contributed two goals.

Defensively, the Cavaliers were led by All-American Liz Downs and sophomore goalkeeper Kim Kolarik, who each earned three ground balls. Freshman Maddy Keeshan had two, while freshman Liz Colgan and Kolarik combined for seven saves.

Virginia will face Team USA again tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.