Cavaliers Prepare for Final Exams and Strong Showings on the Field
The University of Virginia’s baseball team, the Cavaliers, is gearing up for final exams beginning Thursday and continuing through May 9. Head Coach Brian O’Connor emphasized that academics take precedence, stating, “They’re students first before they’re athletes.” The Cavaliers plan to hold several practice sessions during the break but will prioritize their studies.
On the field, the team boasts an impressive .307 batting average with six players hitting .300 or better. Standouts include Henry Ford, leading with a .368 average, and Eric Becker at .361. Freshman Chris Arroyo has also made an impact, both as a player and a pitcher, recently showcasing his skills in a game against Navy, where he went a career-long 4.2 innings with three strikeouts.
O’Connor praised Arroyo’s performance, noting, “There’s a difference in him as a starter.” Arroyo’s speedy pitching style keeps opponents off balance, a quality appreciated by his teammates. Catcher Ference expressed his preference for quick-working pitchers, stating it keeps the game engaging for everyone involved.
In a recent matchup, the Cavaliers limited Navy to just three hits and showed resilience after a shaky previous game against VCU, where they allowed six runs before ultimately clinching a narrow victory. Looking ahead, O’Connor reminded his players of the importance of capitalizing on their remaining eight games in the season, as non-conference losses could have lasting impacts.
As postseason approaches, the team remains focused on their immediate goals rather than external pressures. Arroyo summed up this sentiment: “I feel like if we do our job, we’ll get to where we need to be.” The Cavaliers are determined to finish strong as they navigate both examinations and the baseball season.
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