Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League Official Site

All six Women's ACC Teams arrived in Lynchburg, Virginia to compete in the Second Annual Fall Classic Tournament over the weekend.  Each team was scheduled for three league games against out of division rivals.

UVA lost their opener to their in-state rival, Virginia Tech in an exciting 8-7 Overtime thriller.  This first game of the tournament would unknowingly be a precursor of the Championship game.  In the second game, behind brilliant goaltending by Tess Cleary, and offensive production from junior defenseman Olivia Sliwa and her forward line mates, the Cavaliers shut out George Washington University, 10-0.  In the final game, Tess once again was solid between the pipes leading the Cavaliers to a 5-1 win over High Point University Panthers.

With a tournament record of 2-0-1, UVA finished second and earned the Cavaliers a bid in the tournament Championship Game against Virginia Tech (3-0 in the tournament).  The rivalry Championship game set the stage for an exciting finish to a memorable weekend tournament.  The teams did not disappoint.  The entire game went back and forth with no team obtaining more than a two goal lead.  With the game tied in the final minutes of play, Olivia found the back of the net to take a 5-4 lead with less than 4 minutes remaining.  The Hokies of Virginia Tech did not roll over, keeping the majority of the play in their offensive zone for the remainder of the game.  With 1:33 remaining, Olivia was called for interference, resulting in a 2-minute minor penalty.  The Hokies pressed hard keeping the puck in zone and taking 6 shots in the final minute of play.  But Tess came up big between the pipes and preserved the 5-4 win for the Cavaliers.  

Tess made 140 saves for a .927 Save %, and 3.00 GAA for four games in less than three days.  Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Tess is currently a freshman and majors in Architecture.  For her efforts throughout the weekend, Tess was selected as the Tournament Most Valuable Player.

In addition to winning the ACC Fall Tournament, the Cavaliers are on top of their division with a 4-0-1 record.

Congratulations to Tess, her teammates, Head Coach Kelly Townsend, and the entire Cavalier family for a well earned tournament championship and a phenomenal start to the 2023 season.