Virginia advanced to the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Lacrosse Championship title game after defeating top-seeded Notre Dame 15-10 in the first semifinal on May 1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Cavaliers, seeded fourth, secured their second win over a No. 1-ranked Notre Dame team this season and reached their 18th all-time ACC Championship final.
The victory is significant as it marks only the second time Virginia has beaten a top-ranked team twice in one season according to the USILA coaches poll. The Cavaliers will face No. 2 seed North Carolina in the championship game scheduled for Sunday, following North Carolina’s win over Syracuse.
Five Virginia players contributed at least four points each during the match. Brendan Millon led with five points, while McCabe Millon, Truitt Sunderland, Ryan Colsey, and Ryan Duenkel each recorded four points. Goalkeeper Jake Marek made key saves throughout the contest and finished with twelve saves overall.
During the game, Virginia took an early lead and maintained it after breaking a tie midway through the second quarter. Marek briefly left due to injury but returned as reserve goalie Troy Capstraw filled in for three minutes. Afterward, Brendan Millon’s goal sparked a run that helped Virginia build a halftime lead of nine to five.
The Cavaliers’ defense limited Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities in the third quarter and continued strong play into the fourth quarter despite two quick goals from Notre Dame early on. Late goals by Sunderland and Tommy Snyder sealed Virginia’s victory.
This win is Virginia’s first ACC Tournament victory since defeating Notre Dame for the title in 2019 and its first-ever win at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Senior Ryan Colsey extended his goal streak to twenty-eight games while Joey Terenzi continued his ten-game point streak dating back to February.
