Teams prepare to play in aftermath of murder
On Sunday, the Virginia men’s and women’s lacrosse teams celebrated. Their regular seasons were over and both teams had two weeks off before their next game. But a day of revelry ended with the tragic death of women’s player Yeardley Love, and the arrest, the next morning, of men’s player George Huguely, accused of murder.
On Tuesday night, Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage announced that the teams would continue their seasons. Both squads are highly ranked and assured of playing at home next weekend in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. They’ll discover their respective opponents Sunday night when tournament selections are revealed.
According to Littlepage, the decision of both teams to play was made only after consulting with and receiving the blessing of the Love family.
“It became clear over the course of the past few days that for both teams, there was a certain amount of attention on the future,” said Littlepage in a news conference Wednesday night. “There was some uncertainty among the athletes as to whether this would mean the suspension of their seasons or not. As further conversations proceeded, it was clear that there was a desire to continue.”
The teams practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, but were off Thursday and Friday for exams. None of the players or coaches have been made available to the media.
Thousands of students gathered Wednesday night for an on-campus vigil. Love’s funeral will be Saturday morning in Baltimore. A week later, both teams will play in the NCAA tournament.
How will they react after the trauma they’ve experienced?
Opening-round NCAA tournament games are usually routine for the elite men’s and women’s programs at Virginia, which have played in a combined 17 NCAA championship games and won a combined seven titles. But the circumstances this year are much different.
“There’s enormous grief from players on both teams,” said a parent of one of the players on the women’s team. “I’m sure the girls will dedicate the tournament to Yeardley. There will be conflicting emotions for both teams. Having not played for two weeks will help, at least a little.”
Littlepage said in a statement that the welfare of the students will be observed closely over the next few weeks with counselors and psychological staff “deployed to assist our student-athletes.”
“Part of their healing will be getting our students back into some of their routines,” said Littlepage. “We anticipate both teams will be selected for the NCAA tournament and will represent the University of Virginia as they always have.”
The Virginia men have a 14-1 record, are ranked No. 1, and are pursuing their first NCAA title since 2006. The Virginia women have a 13-5 record, are ranked No. 4, and seek their first title since 2004.
If either, or both, get to the Final Four in Baltimore (men) or Towson (women) on Memorial Day weekend, it will undoubtedly be with heightened emotions — an unusual combination of exhilaration and emptiness.
