U.VA. NOTES

THE POSTSEASON BEGINS: The ACC men's basketball tournament is a big deal. Not so for the ACC men's lacrosse tournament, which begins tonight in Durham, N.C. Only four of the conference's 12 schools field varsity teams in men's lacrosse, and there's no automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the ACC champion.

"The problem is in our sport, the ACC tournament doesn't carry a lot of notice," U.Va. coach Dom Starsia said from his office in the McCue Center.

"It means a lot in this building, and it means a lot to me, because I know it's important, but in the lacrosse world, the NCAA tournament is so disproportionately important that it overshadows the ACC tournament."

Second-seeded U.Va. (11-2) meets No. 3 seed Maryland (9-4) today at 6 p.m. with top-seeded Duke (11-2) and fourth-seeded North Carolina (9-4) to follow around 8:30 p.m.

The championship game is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Duke's Koskinen Stadium.

During the regular season, Virginia beat UNC and Maryland and lost in overtime to Duke. Starsia said he believes all four are assured spots in the 16-team NCAA tournament, which begins May 13. If the selections were made today, he said, Duke, U.Va. and Maryland would be among the top five seeds, and Carolina would be in the top eight.

In last year's ACC tournament, U.Va. beat Maryland in the championship game. If the Cavaliers successfully defend that title this weekend, they'll almost certainly be seeded No. 2 in the NCAAs.

Virginia, the defending NCAA champion, had to rally in its regular-season finale to beat unranked Dartmouth 10-9 last weekend at Klockner Stadium. Nonetheless, Starsia is confident his team can contend for another national championship.

"We're getting there," he said. "I just hope we don't run out of season before we arrive."

ALL-ACC HONORS: The all-ACC team was announced yesterday, and it includes four players from Virginia: junior attackman Ben Rubeor, senior defenseman Ricky Smith, senior goalie Kip Turner and sophomore attackman Danny Glading.

Rubeor, the nation's leading scorer, is a repeat selection. Glading, the ACC freshman of the year in 2006, is the only sophomore on the all-conference team.

RECRUITING UPDATE: U.Va. recently picked up its third football commitment for 2008. It's from Colter Phillips, a 6-6, 230-pound junior at Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, Md. Phillips, who plays tight end and defensive end, also had scholarship offers from Wake Forest and Stanford, where his brother, Andrew, is an offensive lineman.

Phillips had eight sacks for Georgetown Prep last season. He caught 10 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown.

The Cavaliers previously received commitments for '08 from offensive linemen Matt Mihalik and Aaron VanKuiken, 11th-graders who live in Gates Mills, Ohio, and Cincinnati, respectively.

SUMMER FUN: U.Va. basketball coach Dave Leitao said Tuesday that all-ACC guard Sean Singletary is looking forward to trying out for the U.S. team that will compete at the Pan-Am Games.

The trials will be held, starting July 12, in Singletary's hometown of Philadelphia. Players chosen for the team will remain in Philly for a training camp and then fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Pan-Am Games, which begin July 25.

Singletary, Virginia's leading scorer in 2006-07, declared this week for the NBA draft. He doesn't plan to sign with an agent, however, and U.Va.'s coaches are confident he'll return for his senior season. If Singletary remains in the draft, he would not be eligible for the Pan-Am Games, a USA Basketball spokeswoman said.

ON THE RISE: In workouts since U.Va.'s basketball season ended last month, freshman Jerome Meyinsse has been impressive. Meyinsse's goal is to be the ACC's most improved player in 2007-08, and his work ethic is exceptional, his coaches say.

A 6-8, 235-pound post player from Baton Rouge, La., Meyinsse appeared in only 15 games in 2006-07, averaging 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds. He's young for his class -- Meyinsse won't turn 19 until Dec. 18 -- and hasn't played nearly as much organized basketball as most of his peers in Division I.

ON THE DIAMOND: It was about midnight when baseball coach Brian O'Connor sat down for his postgame press conference at Davenport Field. Losses have been few and far between this season for the Cavaliers, ranked No. 3 nationally by Baseball America, but James Madison came to town Wednesday night and upset them 7-6 in 14 innings.

"It's disappointing, but this is baseball," O'Connor said. "A lot of great teams in our league lose games like this in the middle of the week . . . What's important now is we put it behind us and get ready [for Maryland]."

U.Va. (13-7, 34-10) begins a three-game series with ACC foe Maryland (7-14, 23-21) tonight in Charlottesville. The teams meet at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow and at 1 p.m. Sunday.

With two outs in the top of the 14th, Virginia and JMU were tied 2-2. But freshman left-hander Neal Davis gave up a two-run single to Rob Altieri and a three-run home run to former Mills Godwin High star Mitchell Moses before getting the third out.

"I feel bad for the kid," O'Connor said of Davis, who struck out three in two innings Wednesday night. "He had two outs and had it almost shut down, and then he gives up five runs. But he's going to do a lot of great things in our uniform, and there will be better days ahead for him."

-- Jeff White

 

Cavs come out blazing vs. Boston College
By Whitelaw Reid / wreid@dailyprogress.com | 978-7250
April 27, 2007

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - On Saturday, the Virginia women’s lacrosse team came out a little flat in its final regular-season game versus Boston College. It didn’t really matter, though. UVa went on to win the game easily.

On Thursday, just five days later, the schools met again, and one thing was certain - there wasn’t anything remotely flat about the way Virginia started.

The Cavaliers were all over Boston College from the opening whistle. They scored the first seven goals of the game and cruised to a 15-7 victory in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals at Fetzer Field.

“Whenever you can start a game like that, it just gets everybody in the flow that much quicker,” said Virginia coach Julie Myers. “When we do well offensively, our defense can play a little truer and without worrying that every possession will count against us.

“I think BC unraveled a little bit. I was really happy with the run. I think that set the tone for the rest of it.”

Kate Breslin and Blair Weymouth paced Virginia with four goals apiece. The lopsided result allowed Myers to empty her bench. When she did, there was no letup as nine Cavaliers scored goals.

“It was definitely a big win for us,” said Virginia goalie Kendall McBrearty, who had seven saves, “because they were ready for us and had nothing to lose.”

Fourth-seeded Virginia (14-3) will play top-seeded Maryland in the semifinals today at 5:30 p.m. The winner advances to play the Duke-UNC winner on Sunday.

Virginia should have some confidence against Maryland. UVa hammered the Terrapins, 15-4, in the regular season.

“Maryland’s definitely a tough team that will be out to get us since we beat them last time,” McBrearty said. “They’ll really be gunning for us. But we’ll be ready for them and are definitely excited.”

“They’re coming out to get us for sure,” added Weymouth, “but I think we’re pretty hyped up and ready to go. It’s going to be an exciting game.”

There wasn’t too much excitement on Thursday. The game was essentially over midway through the first half after Virginia’s scoring barrage.

Weymouth and Breslin combined for five of the team’s first seven goals.

“It was nice to move the ball quickly and execute what we had been working on this week,” Weymouth said.

“It was definitely a nice start to the game.”

Unless you were wearing burgundy. BC players appeared shell-shocked after the string of goals.

“Regardless of who you are, when you go down 7-0, that’s gonna take the wind out of your sails,” said Boston College coach Bowen Holden, “but it’s particularly tough when you’re playing in the ACC and against a tough team like Virginia.”

In addition to its offensive prowess, UVa played one of its more crisp games of the season from a stick-handling standpoint. The Cavaliers had just eight turnovers - their lowest amount in an ACC game this season. They came into the contest averaging 16 in league play.

“Keeping it under 10 was huge for us,” Breslin said. “If we can do that again [today], there’s no doubt in my mind we can be successful.”

Myers said the first meeting with Maryland was a lot closer than the 11-goal margin would suggest.

“They’re having a great year and have great players,” she said. “The first time, [Terrapin players] were open, but they just missed the catch. We got lucky by their mishaps.

“I think it will be a battle and we’re really excited for it.”

Ground balls

Breslin, Weymouth and Jess Wasilewski were all named to the All-ACC team that was announced Thursday. Also being honored was freshman Brittany Kalkstein, who was named the ACC Newcomer of the Year. Weymouth won the award last season. ... Virginia outshot Boston College, 41-21, and held a 14-10 edge in draw controls. … Myers joked that she was glad to escape the contest without any major injuries. It was an extremely physical game. BC was whistled for 37 fouls to Virginia’s 18. … Holden’s pick to win the tournament: “I think all four of the remaining teams have a shot,” she said. “Any one of them could do it.”

 

There's no need to inquire about Marcus Hamilton's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. It's a short story:
Despite combine snub, UVa's Hamilton still turns heads
By Doug Doughty
981-3129

There's no need to inquire about Marcus Hamilton's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. It's a short story:

Didn't go. Wasn't asked.

Hamilton led the ACC in interceptions in 2005 and finished third in 2006, but never was picked higher than second-team All-ACC.

When invitations were sent out for postseason all-star games, Hamilton was asked to play in the Texas vs. The Nation Game in El Paso, Texas, but was bypassed for the better-known Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.

Good thing they let the cornerback participate in Virginia's pro timing day.

Maybe there had been questions about Hamilton's speed. If so, he feels he answered them. After working with a trainer in Florida, Hamilton had 40-yard clockings of 4.47 and 4.48 seconds at UVa.

He doesn't know if that was an improvement or not.

"We don't run 40s here," said Hamilton, a December 2005 UVa graduate.

Running back Jason Snelling was the only UVa player who was invited to the combine in Indianapolis, but Hamilton and fellow Cavaliers defensive back Tony Franklin have started to show up on some draft lists.

Remarkably, Virginia has had at least one player selected in every draft since 1984, a 23-year streak that could end Sunday.

Snelling is listed as a potential seventh-round pick by Todd McShay of ESPN. He is the only Cavalier on McShay's board.

Going into the seventh game of his redshirt sophomore season, Hamilton had one interception.

He had 14 interceptions in his next 29 games and is tied for third with Ronde Barber on UVa's all-time interception list.

Apparently, no one noticed Hamilton while studying Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson, a likely top-five pick. Johnson beat Hamilton for a touchdown this past season, but Hamilton owned him in two previous meetings.

All Hamilton knows about the NFL Scouting Combine is that it's by invitation only.

"I was a little shocked," Hamilton said, "but, it's not the end-all, be-all. People have been successful in the past without having gone to the combine.

"I use a lot of different things for motivation. Once I got through the initial period of knowing [the combine] wasn't going to happen, it wasn't that big a deal.

"You have something to prove every day."

In south Florida, Hamilton worked under Pete Bommarito at Perfect Competition, a training program used by Byron Leftwich, Maurice Jones-Drew and a host of other NFL players. In addition to his 40 times, Hamilton went more than 10 feet in the standing broad jump and had a 36-inch vertical leap.

He is represented by Washington, D.C., lawyer Adisa Barkari, chosen after interviews with Hamilton and his father, who coaches at Centreville High School in Fairfax County.

"Nobody knows for sure what's going to happen," said Hamilton, whose conversations with NFL personnel have led him to believe there is legitimate interest.

Although he is confident that his name will be called, Hamilton probably won't hear it.

"I don't know if I'm going to watch or not," he said, "but I'll have my phone on. They'll be able to find me."
 

Waiting to hear their name
Hamilton, Snelling among hopefuls as NFL Draft nears
By Jay Jenkins / jjenkins@dailyprogress.com | 978-7250
April 27, 2007

When remains a mystery. Where is anybody’s guess.
Such is life on Saturday and Sunday for a collection of former Virginia football players.
Those questions, however, will be answered by Sunday night - one way or another - when 32 teams wrap-up the seven-round, 255-pick NFL Draft.
The results, most ex-Cavaliers said, cannot be obtained soon enough.
“I am really excited and anxious at the same time,” said cornerback Marcus Hamilton. “I am excited to see where I am going to go and where I am going to get the opportunity to play at the next level at, so it is more exciting, but I am anxious to see where I will start a new chapter of my life at.”
For the past few months, Hamilton and his former teammates have answered countless phone calls and showcased their talents for NFL scouts through workouts.
Only running back Jason Snelling, however, was invited in late February to the annual NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
The news initially shocked many of Al Groh’s pupils, but Virginia’s coach said there was no reason for the players to be alarmed.
“Combines and individual workouts have kind of taken on a life of their own mostly through the exposure on the networks … but the reality is, for most players, that the significant issue, as far as their chance in the league, is how they played.
“Every team in the league has access to almost every game that the player played in the course of his career.”
He should know - Groh coached for more than a decade in the NFL, including the 2000 campaign as the head coach of the New York Jets.
“Those games are thoroughly graded by the personnel staff and the coaches at all the NFL teams,” Groh added. “Unless the player has an utterly remarkable performance at the combine or in an individual workout, or on the other end of the spectrum just bombs it, it is not going to change that evaluation very much.
“What the player did during his career on the field and what type of reference that he gets from his school where he played are the most significant things for draft status.”
While Virginia is not expected to have a player drafted early on Saturday when the first three rounds will take place, the versatility that a number of the players possess should play a factor.
Wide receiver Fontel Mines, for example, after bulking up the last few weeks, has embraced the idea of playing wideout or tight end in the NFL.
“I am just trying to do whatever I can to help myself and give myself the best chance to get where I need to be,” said Mines, who caught at least one pass in 22 of his last
23 games at UVa. “I have been around the right people and they have given me the right advice.
“Whatever I can do to help an NFL team is what I will do.”
Snelling, a fullback turned tailback for the 2006 season, could be drafted to play at either position.
“Not only did Jason take a majority of the carries for Virginia last year, he can also catch out of the backfield and he has the ability to block with his size and strength,” said Jason Bernstein, Snelling’s agent at X-A-M Sports. “You put all that together and Jason is probably as versatile as any back coming out this year, which is a good thing.”
Hamilton has the luxury of calling cornerback his position - 99 defensive backs have been selected in the last two drafts.
“It does help knowing that cornerback is a premium position in the league,” Hamilton said.
“You can’t ever have too many cornerbacks because the league is becoming a passing league.”
Hamilton, Mines, Snelling and other hopefuls, such as running back Michael Johnson and wideout Deyon Williams, also should see an improved stock in the draft given their success at different points in their careers at Virginia on special teams.
“When teams are selecting their personnel, not only do they want to know what his ability is but is he going to go to the games,” Groh said. “If a player makes the final 53-man roster and he doesn’t go to the game, he is not part of the final 45-man roster and then that is not really much benefit to the team.
“And the way that he is going to go to the game is through special teams. It’s a tremendously significant thing to teams making the evaluation as to whether or not to pick a young player.”
Groh said he is optimistic that NFL teams will reward a number of former Cavaliers this weekend through the draft or the free-agent signing period, but regardless, the coach said it should remain comforting to the individuals involved that they have or will have a degree from UVa to fall back on.
“I think every one of them who are hopeful for this weekend is already holding his degree or will do so in the next couple of weeks,” Groh said. “That gives them a great cushion to go into their post-college football part of things.
“They know that whenever that time comes that football is not part of their life anymore, that they have the confidence that they can do more than just be a football player.”

UVA HOPEFULS IN THE NFL DRAFT
Marcus Hamilton
CB l 5-foot-11 l 192 pounds
Position ranking (Scout.com): 40

The past: By the end of his career, Hamilton saw limited action as teams
often threw away from him. There was a good reason: the cornerback hauled in 15 interceptions in his career. As a senior, Hamilton played in 11 games (he missed the Wyoming game), registering 39 tackles and second-team All-ACC honors.
The future: Every team in the NFL could use another cornerback. Hamilton is lucky in that regard. While teams will want to see Hamilton continue to become more aggressive on defense, his athletic ability and quick reflexes were witnessed during his career.
Quotable: “I have four years of film and I think it is quality film. You have to take notice in that, and a lot of things that I did at the Pro Day would have been done at the [NFL] Combine. It was just under less eyes … the drills are really the same. I think it’s just a matter of what a team is looking for and how much they like my film.” - Hamilton on not being invited to the NFL Combine in late February.

Fontel Mines
WR/TE l 6-foot-4 l 215 pounds
Position ranking: 55 (WR)

The past: Mines was a fixture on the field for the Cavaliers during his career - he played in 42 games. While the stats were not overly impressive (68 career catches, 737 yards, 5 TD), Mines’ ability to block and his leadership were never questioned by the coaching staff.
The future: Mines is an interesting prospect. After a conversation with Groh, the Richmond native elected to bulk up, offering teams the option of making him a pass-catching tight end with wide receiver skills. The move could pay off.
Quotable: “I think [moving to tight end] is a good move for him. He has worked hard to get his weight up. He understands the position and he worked with [former Virginia coach John] Garrett a couple of days before he left. … Fontel played a spot where he had to be more elusive and shifty. I think that is a good fit for him.” - Deyon Williams, Mines’ former teammate and roommate.

Jason Snelling
FB l 5-foot-11 l 230 pounds
Position ranking: 4

The past: Snelling, when healthy, was one of the most versatile backfield options for coach Al Groh. After spending the early stages of his career as a fullback, Snelling converted to tailback for his senior season and racked up 772 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games on the ground. He also caught a whopping 84 passes during his career.
The future: Thanks to his versatility, Snelling should find a home in the NFL - on or after the NFL Draft. The draft is relatively weak at fullback, a plus for Snelling, and his ability to play special teams should only help his stock.
Quotable: “Any time you have a player that can do so many different things, that player is going to be more attractive to teams, and the fact that Jason played special teams as a rookie will help out a lot as a first-year player coming into the league. A lot of times a team wants a first-year player coming into the league to develop a little bit so they are not going to come in and start at their position right away. They put them on special teams and it really becomes an asset to the team as a first-year player.” - Jason Bernstein, Snelling’s agent at X-A-M Sports.

Deyon Williams
WR – 6-foot-3 – 192 pounds
Position ranking: 52

The past: After catching 85 passes for 1,150 yards in his first three seasons, Williams’ numbers dropped significantly in his final campaign after he broke a bone in his foot during training camp. He finished with 10 catches for 87 yards. For his career, Williams hauled in nine touchdown passes.
The future: Williams has great hands and showed the ability to make tough catches in the middle of his career at Virginia. Williams’ suffered an untimely setback a month before the Pro Day at UVa when he had to have his knee scoped. He was cleared a week later to run but said he felt uncomfortable in front of the scouts. That was not the case during a private workout last week for the Cleveland Browns he posted excellent numbers in practically every drill.
Quotable: “I understand [why fans wanted me to redshirt last year], but everyone has their own calling. Things didn’t go the way that we all wanted to, but I felt like I still needed to move on. Who knows what could happen next year? I could have come back and gotten hurt and been back at square one. I got my degree and I am ready to take it to the next step.” - Williams on his decision to play last year.

The Best of the Rest

Several former Virginia players signed with agents with the hope of being drafted or landing in a team’s mini-camp. Among those who could find a home include safety Tony Franklin, who played running back and cornerback in his career, running back Michael Johnson and defensive lineman Keenan Carter. … Franklin should warrant consideration for his speed and special teams success at Virginia (he returned kickoffs during his career). … Johnson’s speed is among the best in the country. That alone should land him in a camp with an NFL team. … Carter, who possessed another year of eligibility, raved about the chance to play for legendary coach Buddy Ryan in a Texas-based All-Star game in January. During that experience, Carter said he picked Ryan’s brain about the late Reggie White, who was his favorite player and serves as his motivation. While he did not expect the attention, numerous teams have shown interest. … Former quarterback Christian Olsen signed with mega-agent Drew Rosenhaus, but it is not expected that he can work a miracle and get the signal-caller drafted. A career in coaching seems more likely.

 

Cavaliers discover new challenges in 2007
Despite winning conference crown in 2006, this year's team finds gaining success in ACC Tournament no easy task
Megan McDonald, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

There is little question that winning the 2007 ACC title will be considerably more difficult for this Virginia men's lacrosse team than for its 2006 counterpart.

Indeed, the 2006 national championship team was undefeated and heavily laden with experienced seniors; had to contend with only two other ACC teams after the Blue Devils canceled their season; and, with a first-round bye, secured ACC-Championship status in just one afternoon with a victory against Maryland.

"I don't know if this title would mean more than last year's, but it will definitely be more challenging," junior Ben Rubeor said. "But having to play two games in three days is difficult and so there would be some added reward to winning the 2007 title."

With Duke (11-2 3-0 ACC) hosting this year's ACC Tournament, the Cavaliers (11-2, 2-1 ACC) will travel once again to Durham, N.C., the site of their 7-6 sudden-death overtime loss to the Blue Devils just two weeks ago.

"There's no question we are glad Duke is back," Rubeor said. "We want to play and we want to defend ourselves against the best teams in the country, and Duke is obviously one of those. We are happy they are playing and happy for them, but at the same time I think they are going to bring the best out of us."

As the tournament's No. 2 seed behind Duke, Virginia will have to earn its second chance at the Blue Devils by defeating No. 3 Maryland in Friday night's opening round.

In late March, Virginia beat Maryland 12-8 at Klöckner Stadium. Though the Terrapins have made several personnel adjustments since that time, they have not changed dramatically. With all three of Maryland's close defensemen having earned pre-season All-American honors, Virginia's attack will once again face one of the top defensive lines in the country.

"They are a lot slower team than we are, so as long as our defense settles down, we can play six-on-six with their offense all day," senior Ricky Smith said. "I think the key for the game is getting a couple of goals on them early so that if we force them to play six-on-six, they are kind of going to kill the clock."

Though Virginia will head to Durham determined to defend its current title as ACC champion, the Cavaliers are quick to point out that this team is completely different from the one that earned that designation a year ago, namely younger and more inexperienced. And, although Starsia characterizes his squad as having been fairly consistent since the beginning of the season, he's aware that the postseason can pose new challenges for young players.

"With young guys, you have to spend a little more time going through the details and making sure they are hearing you," Starsia said. "I spend a lot more time looking guys in the eye after I explain something and saying 'Did you just understand what I was saying?' -- You have to take that little extra time to make sure they understand the principles you are trying to get through to them."

An additional challenge heading into the playoffs will be the "bumps and bruises" Starsia says are currently bothering three of Virginia's essential starters: attack Rubeor, senior goalkeeper Kip Turner and sophomore long-stick midfielder Mike Timms.

Players and coaches alike expressed the belief that this year's team has given an honest effort and worked hard in every practice and every game so far. Therefore, regardless of the results of the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, it would be hard for anyone to ask more of these Cavaliers as long as Virginia continues to give everything it has in the postseason.

"This team, this 2007 effort overall, has really been terrific," Starsia said. "It's a good bunch of guys -- a young team, but we are still continuing to improve. I just hope we get there, play our best lacrosse, before we run out of season."

 

Seniors look to end season on high note
Eight graduating players will try to make one last run in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments before hanging up their spikes
Eric Kolenich, Cavalier Daily Senior Associate Editor

Senior catcher Beau Seabury doesn't light up the scoreboard. His .269 batting average is respectable, but it isn't his offensive firepower that makes him so valuable to the Cavaliers.

"He's an instant leader [as a catcher]," Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. "If he's not throwing [runners] out, we're not winning as many ballgames as we do."

In Wednesday's loss to JMU, Seabury threw out three runners, including a pick off to second base.

Seabury pulls down 35 percent of attempted base stealers, which puts him in the upper echelon of ACC catchers. He is tied for third in the ACC, with 14 runners thrown out this season.

"Beau will be a very tough guy to replace," O'Connor said.

But when all is said and done for the 2007 Cavaliers this summer, O'Connor will take on the task of replacing Seabury and the other seven seniors on the Virginia squad.

Reliever Alex Smith, closer Casey Lambert, outfielders Tim Henry, Brandon Marsh and Mike Mitchell, infielder John Scaglione and catchers Seabury and Ryan Hudson comprise the Class of 2007.

"This senior class has won more games in this uniform than any other senior class in school history," O'Connor said. "That tells you the contributions they've had to this program and their careers."

The eight make up a diverse class and serve in all facets of the team's success.

Seabury, Marsh and Mitchell are everyday starters. Others, like Scaglione and Henry, perform off the bench. Smith is a go-to lefty out of the bullpen, and Lambert serves as the team's closer and the top man in the Virginia pen.

A few of these seniors will have the chance to advance their careers in the pro ranks in the coming future.

"Seabury, Mitchell, and Lambert have the best chance [to get to the pros]," O'Connor said. "And rightfully so -- they're good players. I hope they get the chance to continue their careers."

Lambert, who is 1-1 and owns a career-best 0.83 ERA, is considered the most likely candidate to advance in professional baseball.

Tied for the ACC lead in saves throughout a career, Lambert has been a dominating pitcher since his debut as a Cavalier. Currently in the best of his four seasons, Lambert has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his future.

Neither Mitchell nor Seabury is sure about what the future holds.

"Hopefully, people are looking at me," Mitchell said. "I'd love to play baseball after college."

While some look to continue their careers next season, others are ready to make the transition out of baseball.

Mitchell said if he doesn't end up in baseball next year, he plans to go to graduate school.

"I was mixed on if I got drafted if I'd go or not," Marsh said, adding however that he thinks his offensive production, which is down this year (.276), won't be enough to get him in the draft.

"I don't feel like there's anything more I have to accomplish," Marsh said. "This has always been my goal to play at a quality D-1 baseball school and get an education, and there isn't a place better than U.Va. that I could've come to accomplish that goal. "So I don't feel the need to play after this year. I feel the need to finish this year strong."

But with the College World Series not scheduled to begin until June 15, the Cavaliers (34-10) still have plenty of baseball ahead of them, depending on how far they advance in the postseason. And the eight seniors will have a few moments left on the diamond to take in the sights and sounds and savor the glory of their achievements throughout the past four years.

Marsh said he cannot believe how quickly his time at the University is coming to a close.

"You get so wrapped up in the season," Marsh said. "You're so focused on the season sometimes you lose track."

But Marsh, Mitchell and Seabury all agree they are happy to be leaving with the team at such a high.

"We worked the hardest this year," Marsh said. "We still have a bitter taste in our mouth from last year, losing at home in a regional."

Virginia wraps up its ACC schedule with series against Maryland, N.C. State and Boston College, starting this weekend at Davenport Field. At No. 3 in the country, the Cavaliers have the potential to make an unprecedented run if they can fire on all cylinders.

"Last year we had everything going our way," Marsh said. "So this year, I think it takes more than having things go your way. It takes coming on at the end of the season and I really see our team doing that."

For now, Virginia fans will wait and watch with bated breath.

 

Glading's risky play rewarding Cavs
By Whitelaw Reid / wreid@dailyprogress.com | 978-7250
April 27, 2007

With less than two minutes to go, Virginia was tied and playing a man down against Dartmouth last Saturday. That’s when Danny Glading gained possession of the ball and was faced with the biggest decision of the game.

The UVa sophomore had two options: He could kill time off the Virginia penalty by dawdling behind the Dartmouth net, or he could try and catch the Big Green by surprise with a quick shot attempt.

Glading decided to make like Tom Cruise in “Risky Business.” He raced between two defenders and scored as he was falling down to propel Virginia to a 10-9 win.

“It was definitely a risky shot and probably not the smartest of plays,” Glading admitted. “I don’t really want to think about what would have happened if I didn’t make the shot. Luckily, I was able to complete the play.”

Tonight, second-seeded Virginia (11-2) plays third-seeded Maryland (9-4) in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Despite uneven performances in their final two regular-season games, Glading believes the Cavaliers are beginning to hit their stride.

“We kind of took a step back in the loss to Duke,” said Glading, whose older brother, Billy, was a former All-American at Virginia. “Last week against Dartmouth, in watching the tape, we didn’t play all that badly. We just need to shoot a little better and put more shots on target.”

This year, a good deal of Glading’s shots have been on target. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder is second on the team in scoring behind Ben Rubeor with 26 goals and 14 assists.

Glading’s goal against Dartmouth showed just how much his role has changed this season. A year ago, he would have probably chosen the more conservative play or deferred to a teammate. The Bethesda, Md., native was a freshman on a team full of All-Americans, including Tewaaraton Trophy winner Matt Ward.

“Last year, I benefited from having great players around me and not having to do much,” said the former ACC Freshman of the Year. “This year I have to create a little bit more offense and carry the ball, which is good.

“It’s fun. It’s the way I played in high school and it’s good to get back to that way of playing, but I definitely learned a lot last year that I think will help me in the long run, too.”

Glading’s teammates have noticed a change in him since last season.

“I think this year Danny has a little bit more confidence,” Rubeor said, “and has physically grown up a bit.”

Glading, who starred in soccer, basketball and lacrosse at Georgetown Prep, is always one of the most athletic players on the field, according to Rubeor. That was what enabled him to score the game-winner against Dartmouth.

“I think Danny’s best when situations are a little unsettled,” Rubeor said. “I think their defense wasn’t completely set. Although it was a slightly risky play, I think it was a necessary risk with such little time on the clock.

“I think he’s in a position this year where we’re relying on him to make those kinds of plays, and I think he’s embraced that. It came to fruition last week.”

After the Dartmouth game, Virginia coach Dom Starsia joked that it was a good thing that Glading’s shot found the back of the net. Otherwise, Starsia said, Glading would have had to come to the teacher’s office.

“Our kids know they have a license to make plays,” Starsia said, “but that you’ll be held accountable at the end of the day.”

Overall, Starsia has been extremely pleased with Glading, who is playing Ward’s old position on the attack.

“I think in some ways it’s been a harder year for him,” Starsia said, “but I think he’s stepped up his game. He’s playing at a much higher level right now and plays like a poised, confident, top attackman.”

Earlier in the season, Glading says he went through a stage where he wasn’t playing very well because he was putting too much pressure on himself to fill Ward’s shoes. Then he came to a realization.

“It just comes down to playing and having fun,” he said. “You do what you can, and hopefully you’re a big part of the team’s success.”

Even if it means taking a few risks once in a while.

Ground balls

Glading was the only sophomore named to the All-ACC team, which was announced Thursday. Glading was joined by Rubeor, Ricky Smith and Kip Turner. ... Virginia defeated Maryland, 12-8, during the regular season. … This is the fourth year in a row that the schools have met in the ACC Tournament. Virginia won, 11-5, in last year’s final. … Rubeor’s knee is now close to 100 percent. “It’s fine,” said Rubeor, who will continue to wear a brace. “Besides a little bit of soreness, it hasn’t affected my game too much.”

THE BOOK ON DANNY

Favorite movie: “Tin Cup”

Favorite band: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite food: All Italian food

Most influential person in sporting career: “My grandfather. He was a big basketball player at Cornell and has supported us throughout our lives.”

Hobbies: Playing basketball

Big bro: Glading said his older brother, Billy, who was a member of Virginia’s 2003 NCAA Championship team, eased his transition last season to the college game. “He was a senior when the seniors last year were freshmen,” Glading said, “so they all know who he was, and it made me a little more familiar with them.”

 

Fiery Lambert Cavs' last line of defense
By Jay Jenkins / jjenkins@dailyprogress.com | 978-7250
April 27, 2007

Some nicknames come with a funny story. Others, as Casey Lambert can attest, come merely in response to actions.

In 2004, after watching Lambert perform on the mound, Virginia baseball coach Brian O’Connor quickly slapped a “Bulldog” nickname on his rookie reliever.

“I think he has a bulldog mentality,” O’Connor said. “He reminds me of that with his mentality on the mound, and that is what you want out of your closer.”

Four years and 41 saves later, Lambert has obviously lived up to it. So much so, that the left-handed throwing senior has rewritten the record books at Virginia and nationally.

In fact, as the third-ranked Cavaliers (34-10, 13-7 ACC) open a three-game series today at Davenport Field with Maryland (23-21, 7-14 ACC) at 7 p.m., Lambert is one save shy of becoming the all-time leader in league history.

The former St. Anne’s-Belfield prospect is tied with former North Carolina closer Thad Chrisman (1992-95) and is tied for sixth in Division I history with the former Tar Heel and legendary Texas closer Huston Street (2002-04).

While Lambert takes pride in the accolades, it is not something the Harrisonburg native set his sights on early in his career.

“In my freshman year, I was just looking to get out there and be successful,” Lambert said. “I only had eight saves that year and I actually didn’t even know what my role was going to be, if I was going to stay the closer the rest of my career or if I was going to move into a starting role.

“It never really took shape until earlier this year when [the record] was in reasonable reach.”

Playing on a team that entered the week ranked 21st in the nation in scoring (7.8 runs per game) and second in earned run average (2.49), Lambert knows save situations may remain few and far between.

“I have pretty much learned over the last four years that saves will just happen if I get out there and do the best that I can,” Lambert said. “I have been fortunate to have that be the case this year.”

Lambert has tried not to pitch to the scoreboard this season, a difficult task for a closer in lopsided games. His success, however, is evidenced by his stats - opposing batters are hitting just .182 against Lambert, who maintains a 0.83 earned run average and has a 33 strikeouts to just six walks in 21.2 innings of work.

With Lambert at the back end of his improved bullpen, O’Connor enters every game confident.

“Saves are very important because you are getting the job done for your team when it is a close ball game,” O’Connor said. “I think it says a lot that Casey has as many as he does in his career and on the year because he has gotten the job done a bunch of times with the game on the line.”

To thrive in that pressure-packed role, O’Connor said a closer must maintain an aggressive approach and the ability to forget blown saves. Lambert has mastered both, but often wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Emotion got the best of him last weekend as he was earning his eighth and ninth saves, respectively, in front of more than 5,000 rabid fans at Clemson’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium. In both games, Lambert stared down the Tigers’ bench after recording back-to-back outs to open the ninth inning in each of the first two contests.

“It is hard for me to keep all that in check,” Lambert said. “I realize that it’s important not to show my emotion until after the last out is made and to direct that emotion at my own dugout. Just being out there in those intense ball games gets me pumped up and I thrive off that emotion and energy, and sometimes that can boil over a little bit.”

Several ACC coaches would not have suspended a player for similar actions. O’Connor, set on running a classy program, is an exception to the rule - he suspended Lambert for Sunday’s game, leaving the closer in street clothes and in the stands as a spectator.

“[Coach O’Connor] felt like something needed to be done to avoid any further altercations [on Sunday]. We squashed that then and there,” Lambert said. “We have put that behind us, and you could see the confidence that he has in me on Wednesday when he put me in a tough situation [against James Madison].”

O’Connor likely would have preferred the suspension remained a clubhouse issue but feels as though it will not have an impact on Lambert’s effectiveness.

“He is a competitor, and I don’t want to ever change that,” O’Connor said. “Sometimes when competitors get in the heat of battle they do things that they might regret. I was the same way; I was a closer in college a couple of years.

“When you have that kind of pressure on yourself and you are that intent and you are in the game and want to do the job, you have to think that you are the best. You can’t back down from anybody and that’s the mentality that I want him to have.”

Lambert said Cavalier fans should not worry.

“I am still going to be fired up after getting outs,” Lambert said. “That intensity isn’t going to go away.”

CLOSING IT DOWN
Virginia reliever Casey Lambert has steadily moved up the career saves list nationally and is about to claim the ACC record.

1. Blair Erickson, UC-Irvine* 51
2. Jack Krawczyk, So. Cal. 49
3. Tom Hickox, Stetson 48
4. Gabe Gonzalez, Long Beach 46
5. Marc Bluma, Wichita State 44
6. Thad Chrisman, N. Carolina 41
6. Huston Street, Texas 41
6. CASEY LAMBERT, UVA* 41
* active player

THE LAMBERT FILE
Who was your favorite teacher at St. Anne’s-Belfield? Mr. Kevin Levin or Mr. John Amos.

Toughest class at UVa? Commerce 180

Favorite Charlottesville restaurant? Downtown Grille or Aberdeen Barn.

What is currently in your CD player? “Something from the Dave Matthews Band.”

Where do you hope to be in 20 years? “Hopefully, I am retired and chilling on my own yacht.”