June 15, 2005

Greensboro, N.C. - The University of Virginia men's lacrosse program has received the Atlantic Coast Conference's Sportsmanship Award for lacrosse this season. Teams receiving the award have conducted themselves with a high degree of character and good sportsmanship, as determined by a vote of the league's players and coaches.

"I am very proud that we were selected for the second consecutive year for the conference sportsmanship award," said head coach Dom Starsia. "From 5-8 in 2004 to 11-4 this spring, our team conducted themselves in a manner consistent with the University's highest ideals."

After missing the national playoffs last season for the first time in 12 years, the Cavaliers advanced to the final four this season before losing a heartbreaker to eventual national champion Johns Hopkins 9-8 in overtime in the semifinals. Virginia was ranked third in the final Inside Lacrosse media poll this season.

The Atlantic Coast Conference presents sportsmanship awards for each of its 25 sponsored sports. The concept of these awards was created by the ACC Student Athlete Advisory Committee in an effort to recognize teams who earned the utmost regard from their peers during competition. As is stated in the conference's Mission Statement, "It [the ACC] strongly adheres to the principles of integrity and sportsmanship, and supports the total development of the student-athlete and each member institution's athletics department staff, with the intent of producing enlightened leadership for tomorrow."

Recipients of the spring season awards are as follows:

Sport - Recipient
Men's Lacrosse - Virginia
Women's Lacrosse - Virginia Tech
Men's Tennis - Maryland
Women's Tennis - Georgia Tech
Men's Golf - North Carolina
Women's Golf - Wake Forest
Men's Outdoor Track & Field - Wake Forest
Women's Outdoor Track & Field - Georgia Tech
Rowing - Miami
Softball - Maryland
Baseball - Florida State