Spiders upset No. 7 University of Virginia

The University of Richmond men’s lacrosse team beat No. 7 University of Virginia 13-10 in Charlottesville, Va. on Feb. 15.

This victory marked the second time the Spiders have beaten the Cavaliers in their 12-season history. After last week’s game against Robert Morris University, the Spiders turned their focus to the challenge ahead.

“Virginia is the standard for a lot of things out there,” head coach Dan Chemotti said postgame. “It’s going to be a tough day, no doubt about it.”

The Spiders stepped onto the field ready to face one of the nation’s toughest teams. Winning the faceoff, Richmond quickly took control. Within the first minute, senior attacker Max Merklinger scored the first goal of the game, giving the Spiders a lead they would hold for the rest of the contest.

Richmond continued to dominate, running a 4-0 streak until Virginia scored its first goal midway through the first quarter. Both teams exchanged points, ending the period with a 6-2 score.

The second quarter saw a stalemate, with only one goal, scored by Virginia with 7:30 left. Both teams had several goal attempts, but neither could capitalize on their opportunities.

The Spiders opened the third quarter with a quick goal from junior midfielder Joe Sheridan. Virginia responded 46 seconds later with a goal of its own. The teams continued to trade goals, but Richmond maintained its four-point lead, bringing the score to 10-6.

Virginia fought to close the gap in the final quarter, but the Spiders held firm. The score narrowed to a two-point lead for Richmond, but it was too late. Merklinger finished the game as he started, scoring a goal with 44 seconds left. This was Richmond’s first win against a nationally ranked team since 2022, when it defeated No. 9 Jacksonville.

Sophomore attacker Lucas Littlejohn led the offensive charge, registering a career-high four goals and an assist. Three other Spiders scored two goals each.

Richmond’s defense also played a strong role, with graduate student Zach Vigue recording 14 saves on 24 shots on goal and a team-leading seven ground balls. The Spiders caused 11 of Virginia’s 19 turnovers.

Richmond will now prepare for its next matchup against Lehigh University. The two teams will face each other for the first time. Lehigh has struggled early in the season, sitting at 0-3, and will be seeking its first win. Richmond will look to build on its victory over Virginia.

The Spiders and Mountain Hawks face each other in Bethlehem, Pa. on Feb. 22 at noon.

Contact sports editor Abigail Finney at abigail.finney@richmond.edu