Virginia Lacrosse: Can Cavaliers Upset No. 1 Notre Dame & Revive Season?

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s lacrosse team faces a significant test this Saturday, March 28th, 2026, as they prepare to host the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Klöckner Stadium. Coming off a challenging 2025 ACC run where they went winless, and a season marked by both encouraging wins and frustrating losses, the Cavaliers are looking to re-establish themselves as a force in the conference and, contend for another national championship. The echoes of their back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2021 feel distant, but Coach Lars Tiffany believes this team is capable of turning things around.

A Rocky Road to Recovery

Last year’s 0-4 ACC record was a stark reminder of the program’s recent struggles, a fate not experienced since Tiffany’s initial season in 2017. However, recent performances suggest a shift in momentum. Victories against Utah and Dartmouth have provided a much-needed boost, fueled by improved play from graduate goalie Jake Marek. Marek’s save percentages have dramatically improved, jumping from a concerning range in earlier losses (39%, 46%, 41%) to impressive figures against Utah (56%) and Dartmouth (68%). As senior writer Michael Liebermann of The Cavalier Daily noted, Marek’s newfound confidence is a key factor in the team’s resurgence.

Defensively, the Cavaliers appear to be finding their stride. Senior defender John Schroter’s three caused turnovers against Dartmouth were pivotal, and the overall defensive unit held the Big Green to just seven goals – their second-lowest total of the season. This turnaround is particularly encouraging considering the defensive struggles earlier in the year, highlighted by a near collapse against Johns Hopkins where a seven-goal lead dwindled to just three in a matter of minutes. Adair Reid, as well writing for The Cavalier Daily, points to this defensive improvement as a potential turning point for the team.

Turning Point in Maryland Loss?

Even in defeat, the Cavaliers have demonstrated a resilience that was lacking earlier in the season. Despite a heartbreaking triple-overtime loss to Maryland, Coach Tiffany saw a glimmer of hope. “We just turned our season around,” he stated, “We’ve not been playing great lacrosse, and we turned our season around today with that fourth-quarter comeback.” This refusal to quit, coupled with the emergence of key players like Marek and Schroter, suggests that Virginia is building a foundation for future success.

Facing the Nation’s Best: Notre Dame

However, the challenge ahead is immense. Notre Dame arrives in Charlottesville as the undisputed No. 1 team in the country, boasting a formidable defense and a potent offense. The Fighting Irish have shown vulnerability on the road, with lower faceoff win percentages, fewer ground balls collected, and a reduced scoring output compared to their home games. This presents a potential opportunity for Virginia to exploit, particularly with the home-field advantage at Klöckner Stadium.

To have any chance of upsetting Notre Dame, the Cavaliers will need to continue their defensive improvements. Shutting down Notre Dame’s explosive attack, led by grad student Josh Yago, junior Brock Behrman, and sophomore Luke Miller, will be paramount. Virginia’s offense, which has shown flashes of brilliance with recent performances, will also need to be at its best. The recent shift in offensive strategy, moving Brendan Millon to behind the goal and utilizing McCabe Millon effectively in the midfield, has yielded positive results.

Where Virginia Can Excel

One area where Virginia could potentially outperform Notre Dame is in the faceoff battle. The emergence of junior Andrew Greenspan and freshman Griff Meyer has provided a significant boost to the team’s possession game. Greenspan, a former Notre Dame player, could provide a spark against his old team. His ability to win faceoffs, combined with the team’s aggressive pursuit of ground balls – where they rank among the nation’s best – could create scoring opportunities and disrupt Notre Dame’s offensive flow.

As Drew Dillman of The Cavalier Daily points out, the Cavaliers have demonstrated an ability to seize momentum. Their nine-goal run against Dartmouth and their ability to neutralize Utah’s high-powered offense are testaments to their potential. However, overcoming Notre Dame will require a complete team effort and a consistent level of play that they have yet to achieve this season.

Navigating Lacrosse Challenges in Charlottesville

Given my background in sports performance psychology, and observing the trends in collegiate athletics, if the pressures of competition and the need for peak performance are impacting student-athletes in the Charlottesville area, here are three types of local professionals you should consider consulting:

• Sports Psychologists: Seem for a psychologist with a doctorate specializing in sports psychology, ideally with experience working with collegiate athletes. They should be licensed in Virginia and demonstrate a strong understanding of performance anxiety, mental toughness, and team dynamics.
• Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC): Beyond injury treatment, a skilled ATC can provide preventative care, rehabilitation programs, and guidance on optimizing physical conditioning. Ensure they are certified by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) and have experience with lacrosse-specific injuries.
• Registered Dietitians (RD) specializing in Sports Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for athletic performance and recovery. Seek an RD with a specialization in sports nutrition who can develop personalized meal plans to meet the unique demands of lacrosse players. They should be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated sports and wellness experts in the Charlottesville area today.