NCAA Women's Lacrosse Preview: No. 5 Virginia's Next Step

USA Lacrosse Magazine is beginning its countdown to the 2025 women's lacrosse season by releasing one team preview per day beginning on Monday, Jan. 13.

We continue the countdown with No. 5 Virginia, a team looking for more growth in its second year under Sonia LaMonica.

Once a juggernaut and perennial national contender, Virginia had fallen to the middle of the pack in the ACC. To be fair, it was an improved ACC pack, with teams like North Carolina, Boston College and Syracuse rising in prominence.

But that trio of teams combined to form a top tier that’s been hard to crack over the last decade, including for Virginia.

Then, a shakeup happened — not in the spring of 2024 but during the summer of 2023, when Julie Myers stepped aside after a nearly three-decade career that included winning a 2004 NCAA title.

Enter Sonia LaMonica, the longtime coach at Towson. Did Virginia crack the top tier of the ACC? Not exactly. In fact, the 6-3 conference mark was the same as it was in 2023. However, the Cavs’ 15 wins were the most for the program since 2007, and victories over a veteran-heavy Notre Dame team and eventual NCAA champion Boston College turned heads. The energy felt different.

“A precedent was set stepping into this role,” LaMonica said. “What we are, what I want to bring to this program — that’s certainly carried over.”

LaMonica has made clear: 2025 is no different than 2024 in that it’s time to turn another page.

“We’ve made a clear distinction that no teams are ever the same,” LaMonica said. “We’re going to be ambitious and go after some big goals. That doesn’t change, but how we do it and our group might look a little different. This group has different strengths and challenges.”

Let’s dig into them.

TOP RETURNERS

Jenna DiNardo, A, So. (39G, 11A)
Madison Alaimo, A, So. (17G, 27A)
Olivia Bruno, D, Jr. (18CT)

Three of UVA’s top four goal scorers graduated, including leading scorer Katia Carnevale, who led the Hoos with 53 goals after transferring from Lehigh. Mackenzie Hoeg (49G, 4A) and Kiki Shaw (33G, 10A, 27DC) and quarterback Morgan Schwab (20G, 61A) are also gone. But the offensive youth movement started last year when Jenna DiNardo (39 G, 11 A), the one top-four scorer to return, and Madison Alaimo (17 G, 27 A) entered Charlottesville. 

Dinardo has evolved her off-ball game and continues to showcase her finishing skills. LaMonica expects to rely on her to be “that player” and adds that getting invited to the U.S. U20 training camp boosted her confidence.

Alaimo made the final roster and helped lead the U.S. to gold in Hong Kong, China, and will likely see more time at X without Schwab. LaMonica is also pushing her to diversify, potentially so she can play time on the wings.

Defensively, LaMonica calls Bruno an “unsung hero” of the Cavs’ zone defense but is now a veteran presence and vocal leader with Maggie Bostain gone.

KEY ADDITIONS

Alex Reilly, Fr., M (Springside Chestnut Hill Academy)
Payton Sfreddo, Fr., M (Sacred Heart Greenwich)
Lara Kology, Jr., D (6GB, 5CT at Florida)

With Hoeg and Shaw out of the midfield, rookies have a chance to climb the depth chart. Alex Reilly and Payton Sfreddo are already doing just that. A hard-nosed, powerful athlete with a knack for finishing, Reilly is going to be a “special player” in the midfield, LaMonica said. Sfreddo is a true two-way midfielder, and LaMonica said her athleticism is well-suited to contribute significantly on defense. On that note, Florida transfer Lara Kology impressed the staff with her agility, off-ball play and communication.

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Graduations: Maggie Bostain, D; Katia Carnevale, A; Mackenzie Hoeg, M; Morgan Schwab, A; Kiki Shaw, M

X-FACTOR

Kate Galica, So., M (21G, 97DC, 27GB)

The draw was a frequent topic of conversation for UVA throughout 2024 and the fall. The Cavs were 100th in Division I in draw wins last year (44 percent).

“Had we had more dominance in that area, or if it was more 50-50, we could have been stronger,” LaMonica said.

Kate Galica was a bright spot. Unlike powerhouse peers, UVA doesn’t have a player specializing in the draw. She’s also key on hustle plays and offense, but the staff is investing in her.

“She got better and better as the season went on, so I’m optimistic about how far she’s come, specifically on taking the draw,” LaMonica said. “She’s going to be pivotal in winning those draws.”

THE NARRATIVE

LaMonica doesn’t plan on stopping with “better.” Goals include playing on May’s final weekend. Last year’s second-round exit stings.

“It was tough,” LaMonca said. “We believed in what we were capable of achieving. Going the distance this year [is a goal].”

While UVA has significant losses, it’s not a full roster gut like other schools around the country. And we haven’t even mentioned the last line of defense, Mel Josephson (.446 SV%, 10.53 GAA), who won the starting nod over incumbent Ashley Vernon. LaMonica says Josephson’s looking to evolve, knowing she’s no longer an “unknown” to opponents.

Still, the path remains a steep hill because of many of those opponents. The ACC will remain a national power, and the addition of Stanford will only strengthen the schedule. The Cavs won’t trek to California (for Stanford, Cal is on the road). But Syracuse, a reloaded UNC and reigning conference and national champion Boston College are on the road. LaMonica is practical, but not pessimistic — quite the opposite, actually.

“We’re going to have our hands full, no question,” LaMonica said. “We’re going to continue to utilize every ounce of skill and talent to truly get the best out of this group. We pride ourselves on our scout teams and iron sharpening iron.”