Cormier, Nunes Earn ACC Weekly Recognition
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia attackman Payton Cormier and goalie Matthew Nunes have been named the ACC’s men’s lacrosse Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for games played March 25-31, the conference office announced on Tuesday (April 2).
Tuesday’s announcement marks Cormier’s sixth career ACC weekly honor, including third this year. Nunes now has five ACC career weekly honors, including a pair this season.
Cormier scored a game-high four goals and dished out one assist in the Cavaliers’ 13-10 come-from-behind victory at then-No. 16 Harvard this past Saturday (March 30). His five points were also the most among all players. Three of Cormier’s goals came in the second half. His third goal of the day kickstarted a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, which ultimately put the Hoos ahead to stay. With 199 career goals, Cormier is now tied for No. 5 all-time on the NCAA Division I career goals list. Cormier is only 14 goals away from setting the ACC’s all-time record.
Nunes scored the game-winning goal in dramatic fashion and recorded a game-high 16 against the Crimson. Amid a UVA clear with five minutes remaining, Nunes carried the ball end to end and fired a shot that bounced past the Harvard keeper to break a 10-10 tied score. The goal was the first of Nunes’ collegiate career. Additionally, his 16 saves were the most by an ACC goalie this past week. He notched eight saves in the third quarter to prevent Harvard, which led by as many as five goals in the period, from running away with the game. Nunes and the Cavalier defense held the Crimson scoreless for the final 13:54.
Up next, the second-ranked Cavaliers (9-1) open ACC play on Saturday (April 6) when they host North Carolina (6-4). Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium is set for noon on ESPNU. Virginia will honor its 1999 national championship team to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the program’s second NCAA title.
2024 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week
Feb. 6 – Josh Zawada, Gr., A, Duke
Feb. 13 – Joey Spallina, So., A, Syracuse
Feb. 20 – Pat Kavanagh, Gr., A, Notre Dame; Payton Cormier, Gr., A, Virginia
Feb. 27 – Brennan O’Neill, Sr., A, Duke
March 5 – Josh Zawada, Gr., A, Duke; Devon McLane, Gr., M, Notre Dame
March 12 – Jake Stevens, 5th, M, Syracuse
March 19 – Jake Taylor, Gr., A, Notre Dame
March 26 – Payton Cormier, Gr., A, Virginia
April 2 – Payton Cormier, Gr., A, Virginia
2024 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week
Feb. 6 – Jake Naso, Sr., FO, Duke
Feb. 13 – Mason Kohn, 5th, FO, Syracuse
Feb. 20 – Ben Wayer, Jr., LSM, Virginia
Feb. 27 – Matthew Nunes, Jr., G, Virginia
March 5 – Marco Napolitano, Gr., D, Notre Dame
March 12 – Saam Olexo, Sr., LSM, Syracuse
March 19 – Will Mark, Gr., G, Syracuse
March 26 – Billy Dwan, So., D, Syracuse
April 2 – Matthew Nunes, Jr., G, Virginia