BALTIMORE – It could have been a recipe for disaster: Virginia’s four preseason All-Americans combining for four goals on 24 shots.
Recommended Stories
But in the Face-Off Classic on Saturday, the Cavaliers had plenty in reserve in an 11-9 victory over Cornell. With second-line midfielders Colin Briggs (three goals) and Rob Emery (two goals) scoring during a decisive four-goal run in the second half, No. 2 Virginia (5-1) turned a two-goal deficit into a two-goal lead at M&T Bank Stadium. “We need to continue to grow as players, to have that kind of depth,” Virginia coach Dom Starsia said. “It makes us more dangerous.”
Cornell defender Max Feely (Landon) held Virginia’s top scorer, Steele Stanwick, without a point, breaking his 30-game streak. With Chris Bocklet (one goal), Rhamel Bratton (two goals) and Shamel Bratton (one goal, one assist) also misfiring, Virginia struggled until its decisive run.
When freshman midfielder Mike O’Neil (two goals) scored midway through the third period, it gave Cornell a 7-5 lead. But Virginia retaliated immediately as junior Ryan Benincasa (12 of 19 faceoffs) won the ensuing draw and Briggs.
It was the third time in the game that Virginia tallied within 40 seconds of Cornell taking a two-goal lead.
“That next goal is always the big goal, so they don’t go up by three, that’s a big difference,” Briggs said. “We were able to make some plays and keep it close.”
Briggs’s goal also ignited the 4-0 run. Freshman Emery scored next to tie it. At the start of the fourth period, Rhamel Bratton put Virginia up for good, 8-7. Seventy-one seconds later, his twin brother doubled the lead.
“It’s a game of runs, a game of possessions,” said Starsia. “Benincasa came in and probably did more for us today than we’ve ever asked him in any game. We were able to get the ball back with some consistency in the second half.”
Virginia senior goalie Adam Ghitelman (13 saves) made some acrobatic stops, including two from point-blank range.
“He had a couple saves, late in the game, when the game was being decided,” said Starsia. “Adam really stood up. That’s what you expect from your senior and a four-year starter.”
After the stunning off-season departure of coach Jeff Tambroni for Penn State, Ben DeLuca took over for No. 14 Cornell (3-2). The Big Red looked poised for an upset on Saturday behind All-America Rob Pannell (four goals). But after a spotless first half, Cornell committed six penalties, including two by Feely.
“That was really the killer for us,” said DeLuca. “Max did a great job leading our defense, but we really missed him when he was out. He’s the heart and soul of our team.”
