The University of Virginia women’s lacrosse team took to the field Sunday for the first time since the murder of teammate Yeardley Love.
The Cavaliers took on Towson University in the NCAA tournament in Charlottesville, Va. -- and won.
The UVA players wore a black patch over their heart with the word “Love.” On the back of their T-shirts, under their jerseys, was the phrase, “One Team, One Heart, One Love.” It’s a phrase paying tribute to the solidarity of the teams.
George Huguely, Love’s ex-boyfriend and a member of the men’s lacrosse team, is currently in jail charged with her murder.
Saturday night, the UVA men’s team also wore the phrase, “One Love.” Many of the men also showed up Sunday to support the women.
Love’s mother and other relatives were in the stands during Sunday’s game. Before play began, fans in the stadium joined the players in a moment of silence in Love’s memory.
The heart and strength of the women’s team paid off. The came from behind to beat Towson 14-12. Love's roommate, who found her body, scored three of those goals.
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The UVA women’s lacrosse coach was quick to emphasize that winning wasn’t the only goal of the game.
“I think it’s never felt so good to win a game -- just to get this hurdle cleared over,” Julie Myer told ESPN U. “The kids did a great job -- they were really gutsy. They really dug deep.”
After the game, Love’s mother hugged each of her daughter’s teammates, one-by-one.
The entire women’s team turned to the stands and held up sheets of paper with “1,” Love’s jersey number on the team.
“We’re never going to forget Yeardley,” said teammate Brittany Kalkstein. “I feel her presence on the field when we’re all out there together.”
