Virginia vs. Cornell

When 14th-ranked Cornell played No. 2 Virginia on Saturday in the second game of Face-Off Classic’s tripleheader. Senior defenseman Max Feely, an All-American in 2010, isn't expected to play after suffering an injury during practice last week.
"I'm comfortable with it," said DeLuca. "That's why those guys are playing. They've earned it in practice."
In Feely's stead, sophomore Kyle Ewanouski has earned great reviews. Mike Bronzino and Jason Noble, two great playmakers joined him at defense.

Sophomore Thomas Keith is the starting longstick midfielder. Freshman Tom Freshour is the backup midfielder. Tom Trasolini and Cody Levine are getting few minutes at shortstick midfield. So is freshman Joe Paoletta. That leaves senior shortstick midfielder Shane O'Neill as the only veteran midfielder in the group.

Virginia's one and only loss this season came on March 4, by No. 1 Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. The Cavaliers, like Cornell, were national semifinalists in 2010. Graduation affected them in the defensive end.
Offensively, Virginia still runs out a first midfield line lead by the Bratton twins. Shamel, a first-team All-American, and Rhamel. Coach Dom Starsia has additional firepower in reserve. 18 players have scored at least one goal, for an offense averaging over 15 goals per game. Junior attackman Steele Stanwick runs the show on offense, and sophomore Chris Bocklet has 18 goals in six games.

 Cornell's 2010 season ended last May, in a 12-7 semifinal loss to Notre Dame. This is Cornell's first appearance in an Inside Lacrosse sponsored event. The Big Red was the cover story for IL's March edition. Virginia is a regular participant. For Cornell's upperclassmen, the Cavaliers are a familiar opponent. This season is the third of a four-game regular season agreement between the two programs. Virginia won both games, but fell to Cornell, 14-5 in the 2009 semifinals. Cornell may be young, but they have experience.