In the aftermath of the slaying of a University of Virginia women’s lacrosse player, allegedly by a member of the men’s team, Athletic Director Craig Littlepage announced that the powerhouse teams — the men are ranked No. 1, the women No. 5 — would play in the upcoming NCAA championships. “A part of their healing will be getting our students back into some of their routines. … Our lacrosse teams will honor Yeardley by continuing their seasons, ” Littlepage said in a statement. He said he had consulted with each team’s coaches and the slain woman’s family before announcing his decision.

We feel deep sadness over the death of Yeardley Love. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. And we believe that the women’s team would indeed honor her memory by playing in the NCAA tournament. But we are puzzled by the participation of the men’s team in the postseason competition. In case Littlepage needs reminding, one of the team’s midfielders sits in a Charlottesville jail after telling police that he kicked in Love’s bedroom door and, during a struggle, repeatedly smashed her head against the wall. This horrific scene followed a weekend of hard-party drinking, which is sadly part of the culture of big-time lacrosse programs.