GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Spiders Host UVA In Televised Contest

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Two years ago, the Spiders hosted then-8th ranked UVA in the first-ever game in men's lacrosse's history at the University of Richmond. The lacrosse world was nearly shocked when the Spiders took the Cavaliers to overtime in just their first game.

This time around, Richmond won't have the luxury of being an unknown, the lacrosse world has taken full notice of the Spiders, who are off the the best start in program history at 7-2.

"The funny thing is that a lot of people all week have talked about that game two years ago, but inside our program, we haven't mentioned it once. We are focused on this year. We are focused on this year's team for us and for Virginia. They're incredibly talented and we will need to play at our best to have a chance to win," Head Coach Dan Chemotti said.

Down Year? Not So Much

Several folks have mentioned that Virginia, who is a seven-time national champion, is having a bit of a down year. Chemotti shakes his head every time he hears that comment.

"If having a down year means a one-goal loss to the one of the best teams in the country, an overtime loss to a top-five team in the country and an overtime win against a top-10 team in the country, then I'd hate to see what they've said about us. UVA is incredibly talented and really pressure you on all facets. We will have to play at our best to have a chance to win," Chemotti said.

Battling In The Commonwealth

This is the third straight season these two programs have faced off, the first time being the Spiders' first-ever game on Feb. 8, 2014, which drew more than four thousands fans to Robins Stadium for a thriller which the 7th-ranked Cavaliers won, 13-12.

UVA and Richmond are two of only four Division I lacrosse programs in the Commonwealth. The Spiders beat the Keydets of VMI earlier this year in Lexington and scrimmaged against Hampton, who is in its first year of existence in the preseason.

Must See TV

Today will be the first-ever televised contest in Richmond Spiders' lacrosse history with the game being shown regionally on Comcast SportsNet-Mid Atlantic.

Veteran play-by-play man Robert Fish will have the call, while former Loyola standout Brian Schultz will be the analyst.

Strength vs. Strength

Richmond's defense has been a strength all season for the Spiders, as they enter ranked eighth in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 7.56 goals per game and have held the opposition to seven goals or less in six of their nine games this season.

UVA will test that strength as the Cavaliers are incredibly good at the possession game, ranking tops in the country with over 40 ground balls per game. The Wahoos take advantage of their opportunities as well, ranking sixth in the country in man-up offense, scoring on nearly 54-percent of their man-up chances this season.

Richmond (7-2, 3-0 SoCon)		Virginia (5-5, 0-2 ACC)
2016 Roster		2016 Roster
2016 Schedule	Live Video	2016 Schedule
2016 Stats	Live Stats	2016 Stats
Coaching Staff		Coaching Staff

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