UVA Spring Sports Roundup 3/5/25
By Josh Burton
Warm weather is just around the corner and with that also comes the return of spring sports on Grounds. In our roundup series, we’ll mainly focus on baseball but will also provide updates on the other programs as well.
Baseball
UVA Baseball is now three weeks in and sits at #9 in the country with an 8-3 record. They haven’t exactly gotten off to a great start with 3 losses and having dropped down from a preseason #2 ranking, but it’s hardly the time to hit the panic button. Two of the losses were in extra innings against good competition,and the other loss to then #7 Oregon State.
The slow start is mainly attributed to a slow start at the plate, but again there’s no need to fear just yet. The Hoos started the season in Puerto Rico, and followed that up with a weekend tournament in an abnormally cold Round Rock, Texas. These are out of the normal routine trips, and as the Hoos get more comfortable in a regular routine. As we begin to see better weather, look for the bats to heat up with the temperature.
On the mound things have gone fairly well, including a couple notable surprises. First year LHP Tomas Valincius has been the brightest star so far, having been moved from Sunday starter to Saturday as he continues to prove himself on the mound. He’s currently sporting a 2.12 ERA over his three starts.
Tomas Valincius with 9 Ks on the day.
— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) March 1, 2025
Through his first three starts at UVA, Valincius has 25 strikeouts. (most by a freshman nationally).
The 25 Ks are the most by a UVA freshman in their first 3 starts since Brandon Waddell in 2013 (27).
pic.twitter.com/rVsZDDfKl0
On the injury front, there have also been some encouraging signs for the Hoos. Last year’s ace Evan Blanco has now made two midweek starts as he looks to work his way back to the top of the rotation. And in a pretty shocking development, third-year RHP Jack O’Connor made his first appearance of the season in Tuesday night's 15-4 victory over William & Mary. Jack was a weekend starter last season before being lost to injury in the early going. Adding Jack into the mix further bolsters what looks to be one of the strongest UVA pitching staffs in recent memory.
This weekend, they’ll play their first ACC series of the season. A Friday-Sunday matchup with Boston College at The Dish. Friday’s first pitch is scheduled for 4 pm. The entire series will be available to watch on the ESPN app.
Softball
UVA Softball is off to a great start, currently sitting at 16-5 with multiple ranked wins, most notably a 7-6 victory over then #4 UCLA in the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational.
There have also been some notable individual performances, led by third-year Eden Bigham’s perfect game against Hofstra. This was the program’s first perfect game in 30 years. The Hoos will be back in action with a Friday - Sunday ACC opening weekend series at Virginia Tech. First pitch for Friday’s contest is scheduled for 6 pm. This series will also be available on the ESPN app.
Men’s Lacrosse
UVA Men’s Lacrosse has not gotten off to the start they hoped for, currently sitting at 2-3. Although a disappointing start, the Hoos are loaded with talent and still have plenty of time to put it together. They started the season ranked #5 before falling out of the rankings completely.
Individually, it’s been a great start for third-year Ryan Colsey. He’s near the top of the list in the ACC for goals scored, currently sitting at 15 on the season. The Hoos will be back in action Saturday as they’ll take on Towson in Houston, Texas. Game is scheduled for a 1:30 start.
Women’s Lacrosse
UVA Women’s Lacrosse is currently ranked #14 and is off to a 4-2 start. Second-year Jenna Dinardo has gotten off to a fast start, having already scored 17 goals on the season. The team will be back in action Saturday as they head to Chapel Hill to take on #2 UNC. Live video coverage will be available on the ESPN app for a 2:30 start.
Men’s Tennis
The #5 UVA Men’s Tennis team has gotten off to a pretty good start, currently sitting at 9-3. They’ve played a loaded schedule and have fared well. First-year Rafael Jodar has already earned multiple ACC Freshman of the Week honors. They’ll be back in action Friday as they host #6 NC State, scheduled for a 3 pm start.
Women’s Tennis
Maybe the most impressive squad on Grounds so far has been the #2 ranked Women’s Tennis team. They reached #1 for the first time in program history last week before dropping back to #2 this week. Sara Ziodato picked up an ACC Player of the Week honor earlier in the season. They’re currently sitting at 11-2 and will be back in action Friday as they head to Wake Forest for a 4 pm start.
(Featured Image Credit: Grace Landini/UVA Athletics)