Ian Laviano could have his hands full trying to solve one of the nation’s premier defenses this weekend.
The reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Week for No. 13 Virginia will be up against No. 17 Syracuse in both teams’ ACC opener, and Virginia’s ability to figure out the Orange’s stingy defense will be a focal point Saturday.
The Orange rank ninth in Division I, allowing just 8.33 goals per game and have held Albany (then No. 14) to five goals and Army (then No. 15) to eight goals. Virginia has played three straight close games and could be in for another if Syracuse’s defense continues to impress.
NO. 13 VIRGINIA AT NO. 17 SYRACUSE
WHEN: Saturday, March 2, Noon
WATCH: ESPNU
Laviano, who tallied eight goals in two games last week and has 11 on the season, heads a Cavaliers offense scoring 11.25 goals per contest. Matt Moore (19 points) leads all point-getters on the team, while Dox Aitken (nine goals) and Michael Kraus (seven goals) have also chipped in.
Kraus found Laviano 1:02 into overtime to top Princeton last weekend, 12-11.
Syracuse answers with Nick Mellen, Marcus Cunningham and Brendan Curry, who have been consistent defensive contributors with a handful of others helping out. This unit has been superb in front of goalie Drake Porter, who has made 42 saves with a .627 save percentage through three games.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Virginia’s Patrick Burkinshaw stopped 24 shots against Princeton in his first collegiate start, replacing Alex Rode, who had posted a .426 save percentage through three games. This could turn into a shot-saving clinic if both netminders bring their best.
The all-time series tilts Syracuse’s way at 18-17, emphasizing how close this matchup has been, traditionally. Could it be another close one? History says it’s likely.
Other games to watch this weekend include:
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No. 9 Duke at No. 11 Richmond
Friday, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Richmond was the biggest mover in the national polls this week after a win over then-No. 6 Notre Dame, climbing to its highest ranking in program history. Duke represents the Spiders’ third ranked opponent this year, with the team’s lone loss coming 10-9 to Maryland — a quality loss, if there’s any such thing. Richmond seems to be for real, but Duke is a true test. The Blue Devils are back on track after losing to High Point, with three straight wins — including a key 10-9 victory over Denver. In a 17-7 win over Penn, Jack Fowler, JT Giles-Harris and Cade Van Raaphorst caused six turnovers combined and helped hold Penn to just four goals in the first 54 minutes.
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No. 10 Denver at No. 14 North Carolina
Saturday, 10 a.m., ACC Network
The first-ever sporting event held in the new UNC Lacrosse and Soccer Stadium should be fun. Brett Boos has been exceptional at the faceoff dot taking over for Trevor Baptiste, winning all but one faceoff matchup this season (Cleveland State). He was 20-for-23 with 10 ground balls against Utah on Feb. 23. Boos and the second-best defense in the nation are the anchors for Denver. The Tar Heels need freshman Zachary Tucci to compete with Boos for possession, and Tucci has been consistently 50 percent or better on faceoffs (66-for-112 on the season). North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation at 15 goals per game thanks in large part to Tucci, so Denver must be ready on the defensive end.
MORE GAMES ON OUR RADAR
All times are listed in E.T. For a full list of broadcast games, please visit our US Lacrosse TV listing page.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
Noon
Johns Hopkins at No. 20 Princeton (ESPN+)
Lehigh at No. 16 Colgate (Patriot League Network)
Robert Morris at No. 8 High Point (ESPN+)
Marquette at No. 7 Ohio State (Lax Sports Network)
Lafayette at No. 18 Army (Stadium)
1 p.m.
UMass at No. 4 Yale (ESPN+)
Delaware at No. 15 Villanova (Nova National All-Access)
Penn at No. 5 Penn State (BTN Plus)
No. 19 Rutgers at Fairfield (Lax Sports Network)
3 p.m.
Albany at No. 3 Cornell (ESPN+)
Georgetown at Hofstra (Lax Sports Network)
3:30 p.m.
Holy Cross at No. 1 Loyola (Md.) (Patriot League Network)
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
Noon
No. 2 Maryland at No. 12 Notre Dame (ESPNU)