Cavalier Corner

April 2012

Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!

Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/90990

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 28 of 31

cavalier profile AINSLEY BAKER Redshirt Fourth-Year • Lacrosse After finishing fourth on the squad in goals (28) and points (35) last season, working out and being in shape," Baker said. "The fact that we have so many younger players that are so talented pushes the older players to work harder." Baker moved into a new role this season, no longer playing the typical at- redshirt fourth-year Ainsley Baker led the Cavaliers in shooting percentage (.583), was tied for the team lead in goals (seven) and was third in points scored (seven) three games into the 2012 campaign. In the season opener, Baker helped lead the then 10th-ranked Cavaliers to a 14-9 victory over then- No. 7 Loyola with a career-high-tying five goals, earning the Corning, N.Y., native ACC Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time in her career. Baker began her UVa career in 2007 following Virginia's last visit to the NCAA championship game. She said she likes the 2012 edition of the Cavaliers and thinks this club may have the elements for an extended postseason run. "This is the hardest we've worked since I've been here, not only on the field but everyone has been doing really well working out in the weight room and tacker role but now playing essentially an offensive midfielder. Baker attributes her hot start to a team of preseason 2012 Tewaaraton Award candidates that surround her, as well as her new role. "Everyone is focused on Julie [Gardner], Josie [Owen] and Charlie [Finnigan], but our attack is so good it just happens if they're being face guarded or the defense is really on them it doesn't really matter because we're not a one-man team — we have other people that can score, Baker's speed, which she hopes will ultimately conclude with a return trip back to the ACC title game and the NCAA Final Four. Personally, Baker states her goal is to leave Charlottesville exhausted. "I want to be satisfied with my performance that I've done as much as I can and given back as much to the program as I can," she said. "I want to leave everything on the field. — Greg Waters ◆ Photo by Matt Riley/courtesy UVa APRIL 2012 ◆ 29 " The new position affords the team a chance to benefit from its depth and " Baker noted.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Cavalier Corner - April 2012