The No. 6 Denver Pioneers' run in the 2011 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament came to an end on Saturday afternoon when the No. 7 Virginia Cavaliers delivered a crushing 14-8 defeat. The Cavaliers have secured a spot in Monday's national title game.
The Cavs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but had built a 13-3 lead at one point. The Pioneers failed to score for over 20 minutes (five minutes left in the first quarter all the way until 33 seconds into the third quarter). While little consolation, the Pioneers outscored the Cavs, 5-1, to end the game.
Virginia's First-Team All-American attacker, Steele Stanwick, led the way with three goals and two assists. He has 20 points this tournament. Chris Bocklet also added three goals for the Cavs, bringing his points total in the tourney to 11.
For the Pioneers, Jeremy Noble contributed three goals and an assist. Eric Law added two goals and three assists. Goalkeeper Jamie Faus gave up 14 goals and made eight saves. Coach Bill Tierney will need to regroup and make another charge in 2012.
Duke and Maryland finish the Saturday schedule to determine Virginia's opponent. The championship game (which will be an all-ACC affair) takes place Monday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. MT.
Please visit College Crosse for more on the 2011 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament.