How does Virginia’s men’s lacrosse team fare in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. What are the key details of their first-round matchup against Richmond. How can fans secure tickets and parking for the game at Klöckner Stadium.
Virginia’s No. 2 Seed and Tournament Berth
The Virginia men’s lacrosse team, ranked second in the nation with an impressive 11-3 record, has secured the No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. This marks a significant achievement for the Cavaliers, as it’s their first top-2 seed since 2010. Under the guidance of head coach Lars Tiffany, the team will be making its fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, adding to the program’s rich history of 42 overall appearances.
Virginia’s strong performance this season has earned them a home-field advantage for their first-round game. The Cavaliers will host Richmond (11-4) at Klöckner Stadium on Saturday, May 13, with the opening faceoff scheduled for noon on ESPNU.
Richmond Spiders: A Formidable Opponent
The Richmond Spiders, Virginia’s first-round opponents, have had an impressive season of their own. In their inaugural year in the Atlantic 10 conference, the Spiders claimed the conference championship with a convincing 15-8 victory over High Point on May 6. Despite a stumble in their first A10 game against Saint Joseph’s, Richmond showcased their resilience by closing out the regular season with four consecutive conference wins.
While Virginia holds a dominant 8-1 lead in the all-time series against Richmond, the Spiders have proven themselves as a program on the rise since their inception in 2014. The two teams have already faced off earlier this season on March 4 at Klöckner Stadium, where Virginia secured a resounding 25-8 victory, their largest win in the series history.
Ticket and Parking Information for Fans
For fans eager to witness the NCAA Tournament action in person, here’s what you need to know about tickets and parking:
- General admission tickets are priced at $10
- Reserved seats are available for $15
- Student tickets are offered at a discounted rate of $5
- Ticket sales begin on Monday, May 8, at 9 a.m.
- Tickets can be purchased in advance through UVAtix.com or by calling the Virginia Athletics ticket office at 434-924-8821
- On game day, tickets will be available at the Klöckner Stadium box office one hour before the event
Reserved season-ticket holders have the option to secure their regular-season seats by contacting the Virginia Athletics ticket office. These seats will be held until 5 p.m. on Monday before being released to the general public.
Parking for the event is available at the John Paul Jones South and West Lots for $10 per space. Fans can purchase parking passes in advance or upon arrival, subject to availability. It’s important to note that only credit/debit card payments will be accepted for parking; cash will not be accepted on-site. For those seeking a free parking option, spaces are available at the UVA Emmett/Ivy Garage.
The Road to the Championship
The NCAA Tournament presents an exciting journey for the participating teams. Should Virginia emerge victorious against Richmond, they will advance to face the winner of the match between seventh-seeded Georgetown (12-3) and Yale (9-5) in the quarterfinals. This crucial game is scheduled to take place in Albany, N.Y., at the University of Albany’s Tom & Mary Casey Stadium on Saturday, May 20. The quarterfinal match will begin at either noon or 2:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
For teams that successfully navigate the earlier rounds, the pinnacle of the tournament awaits at Championship Weekend. Set for May 25 and 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., this event promises to be a thrilling culmination of the season. Both semifinal matchups will be broadcast on ESPN2 on May 25, while the championship game is slated for a 1 p.m. start on ESPN on Memorial Day (May 27).
Virginia’s NCAA Tournament Legacy
The Cavaliers’ participation in this year’s NCAA Tournament adds another chapter to their storied history in the competition. This will mark Virginia’s 30th NCAA Tournament game in Charlottesville and their 17th at Klöckner Stadium. Such statistics underscore the program’s consistent excellence and the home-field advantage they’ve often enjoyed in postseason play.
It’s worth noting that Virginia isn’t the only Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team making waves in this year’s tournament. Duke and Notre Dame have secured the No. 1 and No. 3 seeds respectively, showcasing the conference’s strength in men’s lacrosse. Interestingly, both these programs were absent from last year’s tournament, making their high seedings this year even more remarkable.
The Impact of Lars Tiffany’s Leadership
Under the guidance of head coach Lars Tiffany, the Virginia men’s lacrosse program has experienced a renaissance. Tiffany’s tenure has been marked by consistent success, with the team now making its fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This streak is a testament to Tiffany’s coaching acumen and his ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent.
Tiffany’s impact extends beyond just qualifying for the tournament. The team’s No. 2 seed this year is their highest since 2010, indicating that the program isn’t just maintaining its status but actively improving and climbing the ranks of college lacrosse. This upward trajectory bodes well for Virginia’s chances in this year’s tournament and suggests a bright future for the program.
Tiffany’s Coaching Philosophy
Lars Tiffany is known for his innovative coaching style that emphasizes fast-paced, high-scoring lacrosse. His teams are typically characterized by their aggressive defense and quick transition game. This approach has not only led to success on the field but has also made Virginia one of the most exciting teams to watch in college lacrosse.
Under Tiffany’s leadership, Virginia has also placed a strong emphasis on player development. Many of his players have gone on to successful careers in professional lacrosse, further cementing Virginia’s reputation as a top program for aspiring lacrosse players.
The Significance of Home-Field Advantage
Securing a home game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament is a significant advantage for Virginia. Klöckner Stadium has been a fortress for the Cavaliers, with the team boasting an impressive record on their home turf. The familiar surroundings, coupled with the support of a passionate home crowd, could prove crucial in their matchup against Richmond.
Home-field advantage in lacrosse can manifest in several ways. The players are accustomed to the specific quirks of their home field, from the way the ball bounces on the turf to the way the wind typically blows. Moreover, the comfort of their regular pre-game routines and the energy from supportive fans can provide a mental edge that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Klöckner Stadium: A Lacrosse Landmark
Klöckner Stadium has been the home of Virginia lacrosse since 1992 and has witnessed numerous memorable moments in the program’s history. With a capacity of 8,000, it provides an intimate yet energetic atmosphere that can be intimidating for visiting teams. The stadium’s design, with steep stands close to the field, allows fans to feel right on top of the action, creating a cauldron of noise and support for the home team.
Over the years, Klöckner Stadium has hosted 16 NCAA Tournament games prior to this year’s event. Virginia’s success rate in these games further underscores the importance of playing at home during the postseason. As the Cavaliers prepare to face Richmond, they’ll be looking to tap into this home-field magic once again.
Richmond’s Rise in College Lacrosse
While Virginia enters the tournament as a seasoned powerhouse, their opponents, the Richmond Spiders, represent an exciting story of a program on the rise. Since launching their men’s lacrosse program in 2014, Richmond has made remarkable strides in establishing themselves as a competitive force in college lacrosse.
Richmond’s journey to this point is particularly impressive considering the relative youth of their program. In just nine years, they’ve developed from a fledgling team to Atlantic 10 champions and NCAA Tournament participants. This rapid ascent speaks volumes about the quality of coaching, recruitment, and player development at Richmond.
Richmond’s 2023 Season Highlights
The Spiders’ 2023 season has been marked by several notable achievements:
- Winning the Atlantic 10 conference in their first year as members
- Securing an 11-4 record, showcasing their competitiveness against strong opposition
- Demonstrating resilience by bouncing back from an early conference loss to win four straight A10 games
- Earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning their conference championship
These accomplishments highlight Richmond’s potential as a dangerous opponent, despite their underdog status against Virginia. Their ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by their conference championship win, makes them a team that Virginia cannot afford to underestimate.
The Importance of the First Round
While it might be tempting for a highly-seeded team like Virginia to look ahead in the bracket, the first round of the NCAA Tournament is crucial. It sets the tone for a team’s tournament run and can provide valuable momentum. For Virginia, a strong performance against Richmond could serve as a springboard for deeper advancement in the tournament.
Conversely, the first round also presents potential pitfalls. Upsets are not uncommon in college lacrosse, and a team that comes in overconfident or underprepared can find themselves making an early exit. Virginia’s coaching staff will undoubtedly be emphasizing the importance of focus and intensity in their preparations for the Richmond game.
Keys to Success in the First Round
For Virginia to succeed in their opening game, several factors will be critical:
- Starting strong: Setting the tone early can help settle any nerves and put pressure on the underdog
- Utilizing home-field advantage: Feeding off the energy of the home crowd at Klöckner Stadium
- Maintaining discipline: Avoiding unnecessary penalties and turnovers that could give Richmond momentum
- Exploiting mismatches: Leveraging their talent advantage across the field
- Adapting to Richmond’s strategy: Being prepared to adjust their game plan if Richmond presents unexpected tactics
By focusing on these areas, Virginia can position themselves for success not just in the first round, but throughout the tournament.
The Broader Landscape of the 2023 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament
While Virginia’s path through the tournament is naturally the focus for Cavaliers fans, it’s worth considering the broader landscape of this year’s NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. The selection of teams and their seedings offer interesting insights into the current state of college lacrosse.
One notable aspect is the strong showing from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). With Virginia as the No. 2 seed, Duke at No. 1, and Notre Dame at No. 3, the ACC has demonstrated its dominance in men’s lacrosse. This is particularly significant given that both Duke and Notre Dame missed out on last year’s tournament, highlighting the conference’s ability to bounce back strongly.
Potential Matchups and Storylines
Looking ahead in the bracket, several intriguing potential matchups emerge:
- A possible quarterfinal clash between Virginia and Georgetown or Yale, both strong programs with recent success
- The potential for an all-ACC semifinal or final, should Virginia advance to face Duke or Notre Dame
- Opportunities for underdog stories, with teams like Richmond looking to make a splash on the national stage
These potential storylines add layers of excitement to the tournament beyond just the on-field action. They represent the narratives of redemption, rivalry, and ambition that make college sports so compelling.
The Role of Experience in Tournament Success
As Virginia enters its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament under Lars Tiffany, the value of postseason experience cannot be overstated. Many of the Cavaliers’ players have been through the pressure cooker of tournament play before, which can be a significant advantage in high-stakes games.
Experience manifests in various ways during a tournament run. It can help players maintain composure in tight games, make better decisions under pressure, and understand the importance of each possession. For the coaching staff, previous tournament experiences inform game planning and player management throughout the grueling tournament schedule.
Balancing Experience and Fresh Energy
While experience is valuable, it’s also important for teams to maintain a sense of hunger and avoid complacency. Virginia’s coaching staff will be tasked with striking a balance between leveraging their tournament experience and fostering the excitement and energy that comes with a new postseason opportunity.
This balance might be achieved through:
- Emphasizing the unique opportunities of this particular tournament run
- Incorporating younger players who bring fresh enthusiasm to the team
- Setting new challenges and goals specific to this year’s tournament
- Focusing on the present rather than past successes or failures
By effectively managing this balance, Virginia can maximize both their experiential advantages and the motivational boost of a new tournament campaign.
Virginia Men’s Lacrosse | Virginia Earns No. 2 Seed in NCAA Tournament; Hosts Richmond Saturday
NCAA FIRST ROUND TICKET & PARKING INFORMATION
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $15 for reserved seats and $5 for students. Tickets go on sale Monday (May 8) beginning at 9 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets in advance via UVAtix.com or by calling the Virginia Athletics ticket office (434-924-8821). Fans may also purchase tickets at the Klöckner Stadium box office starting one hour prior to the event.
Reserved season-ticket members may purchase their seats held during the regular season by calling the Virginia Athletics ticket office. Tickets will be held until 5 p.m. on Monday before being released to the public.
Parking is $10 per space at the John Paul Jones South and West Lots and may be purchased in advance or upon drive up, subject to availability. Parking passes must be purchased using a valid credit/debit card; cash will not be accepted on site.
Spots are first come, first served. Free parking is also available at the UVA Emmett/Ivy Garage.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The second-ranked Virginia men’s lacrosse team (11-3) will be a No. 2 seed and host Richmond (11-4) in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament on Saturday (May 13). Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium is set for noon on ESPNU.
The Cavaliers will make their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Lars Tiffany, also the program’s 42nd overall. Virginia earned a top-2 seed for the first time since 2010. Saturday’s game at Klöckner Stadium marks UVA’s 30th NCAA Tournament game in Charlottesville and 17th at Klöckner Stadium. The ACC’s Duke (1) and Notre Dame (3) also earned top-3 seeds after both programs were not selected to participate in last year’s tournament.
In its first year in the Atlantic 10, Richmond defeated High Point, 15-8, in the conference championship game on Saturday (May 6).
After dropping their first A10 game of the season to Saint Joseph’s, the Spiders closed out the regular season with four straight conference wins.
The Cavaliers lead the all-time series over Richmond, 8-1. The two teams squared off earlier this season on March 4 at Klöckner Stadium, when UVA earned its largest win in series history, 25-8. The Spiders started their program in 2014 and hosted UVA in its inaugural matchup in Richmond.
The winner of Virginia and Richmond will face the winner of seventh-seeded Georgetown (12-3) and Yale (9-5) in the quarterfinals in Albany, N.Y. at University of Albany’s Tom & Mary Casey Stadium on Saturday, May 20. Opening faceoff will commence at either noon for 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
Championship Weekend is set for May 25 and 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. Both semifinal matchups will be broadcast on ESPN2 on May 25, while the championship game is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN on Memorial Day (May 27).
NOTES ON THE HOOS AND THE 2023 NCAA TOURNAMENT
- Virginia earned its fifth straight NCAA Tournament berth under Lars Tiffany, the program’s 42nd overall.
