Feb. 18, 2008

Second-Half Run Sends UVa Past Drexel 11-7

Virginia scored four unanswered goals to break a six-all tie and gain an 11-7 win over Drexel before an overflow crowd of 2500 at Vidas Field in the season opener for both teams.

With the victory the Cavaliers avenged last season's season-opening loss when they fell to the Dragons on their home field.

The homestanding Dragons excited the crowd early behind goals from Andew Chapman and Chris O'Connor to take a 2-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Jack Riley notched Virginia's first goal at the 4:38 mark off a nice feed from Garrett Billings. Billings tied his career high with four assists. Senior Peter Lamade, playing for the injured Ben Rubeor on attack. forged the game's first tie with his first goal as a Cavalier late in the quarter.

Kevin Stockel scored an extra-man goal 35 seconds into the second quarter as Drexel retook the lead. The Dragons' advantage was shortlived however as Billings scored back-to-back goals to send Virginia into the lead at 4-3. Drexel matched the Cavaliers' two-goal run behind goals by Ron Garling on extra man and Chapman.

Brian Carroll scored two extra-man goals in the final five minutes of the half as Virginia took a 6-5 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Colin Ambler, who scored both goals in the final 10 seconds to key Drexel's win over Virginia last year, scored his only goal less than two minutes after halftime for the fifth tie of the game.