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May 8, 2003 | Stats

Gina Riitano added to her single-season record for points with two goals in the NCAA Tournament.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The American University women's lacrosse team closed the best season in school history in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at third-seeded Virginia. The Cavaliers defeated the Eagles, 19-3, and will advance to the second round of the tournament. AU ends the season with a record of 11-8.

Virginia (15-4) scored twice in the first three minutes to open the game. Junior Nicole McCarthy drew a foul and then converted the free position shot to put the Eagles on the board. However, Morgan Thalenberg scored less than a minute later to put UVA up, 3-1.

After two more Cavalier goals, the teams went scoreless for nine minutes before a Cary Chasney goal with 11:30 remaining in the first half put Virginia up, 6-1, and forced AU to call timeout. The Cavs netted five more goals before the half to take an 11-1 halftime advantage.

Virginia continued its run in the second half, scoring five straight before sophomore Gina Riitano got the Eagles on the board with 17:31 remaining. Riitano scored again for AU just over eight minutes later off an assist from junior Courtney Bennett as the Eagles held the Cavs without a goal for over 12 minutes.

Freshman goalie Kathleen Finnegan made eight saves while facing 36 shots.

This concludes the most successful season in AU women's lacrosse history. The Eagles set a school record with 11 wins and also posted new school records in goals (227) and assists (96). The Eagles graduate four seniors in Jamie Crean, Nadia Harmsen, Robyn Mincher and Laura Repoli.