In the high-stakes world of NCAA women’s lacrosse, moments of brilliance often define a team’s path through the postseason. On Sunday, in front of a roaring home crowd and under the pressure of elimination, Callie Hem and Bella Goodwin etched their names into that narrative. The dynamic duo combined for an astounding 13 goals, leading their team to a commanding 17-9 win over the Virginia Cavaliers, securing a berth in the NCAA Quarterfinals and reminding the nation that this team is not only talented but peaking at the right time.
This was more than a win. It was a statement.
Setting the Stage
Heading into the second round of the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship, both teams were battle-tested and hungry. The Cavaliers, known for their tactical discipline and athleticism, had handled their first-round opponent with precision and were eyeing an upset over a higher-seeded team. Meanwhile, Hem, Goodwin, and company were riding the momentum of a season marked by offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
But what unfolded at draw control and every possession thereafter was less about strategy and more about sheer will—particularly from Hem and Goodwin, who elevated their game when it mattered most.
First-Half Brilliance
From the first whistle, it was clear that Hem and Goodwin were in sync—and determined.
Callie Hem opened the scoring within the first minute, slicing through the Virginia defense and burying a shot past the goalkeeper with composure. Bella Goodwin followed just 90 seconds later, showcasing her speed and stick skills as she darted across the crease and scored on a high release that stunned the defense.
The two continued to rotate in and out, often drawing double teams, yet their chemistry and awareness of one another kept the Cavaliers’ defense off balance. Hem had four goals by halftime, including a stunning backhand flip from a tight angle that brought the home fans to their feet. Goodwin, equally spectacular, added three of her own and assisted on two of Hem’s tallies.
By intermission, the scoreboard read 9-4. Virginia was rattled, their huddles increasingly frustrated. They had no answer for Hem’s deceptive fakes or Goodwin’s explosive first step.
Dominance in the Second Half
Whatever halftime adjustments Virginia tried to make, they weren’t enough.
Hem came out firing again, scoring twice in the first five minutes of the second half to complete her double hat trick. Goodwin, too, was relentless—scoring twice more on free-position shots and another on a lightning-fast transition play that began with a defensive interception and ended with her weaving through defenders as if they were cones on a practice field.
With each goal, the energy on the sideline grew more confident. The defense, buoyed by the offensive surge, played its part by limiting Virginia to just five second-half goals—two of which came in garbage time.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 17-9, and Hem and Goodwin had combined for 13 goals—seven for Hem and six for Goodwin. It was an all-time postseason performance.
Postgame Reactions
Speaking to the media after the game, head coach [Coach Name] could hardly contain her pride.
“They’ve been leaders all year,” she said. “But today, they showed what it means to carry a team in the postseason. Callie and Bella didn’t just play well—they elevated everyone around them.”
Hem, modest as ever, deflected the praise.
“I just wanted to win,” she said, still catching her breath. “Bella and I have been working on our chemistry since day one. We know where the other one’s going to be without looking.”
Goodwin agreed. “This wasn’t just us. Our defense gave us so many chances, and our midfielders worked their tails off. But yeah—it felt good to hit a rhythm like that.”
A Season of Growth
This performance didn’t happen in a vacuum. Hem and Goodwin have been instrumental all season long, not only as scorers but as team leaders. Hem, a junior attacker, has developed into one of the most efficient scorers in the nation, known for her calm under pressure and lethal finishing ability. Goodwin, a senior midfielder, is the emotional heartbeat of the team—known equally for her scoring prowess and her relentless hustle between the 30s.
They’ve both taken on heavier roles this year after several key departures last season. What was expected to be a “rebuilding year” quickly transformed into a showcase of how leadership and belief can shape a championship-caliber team.
Their synergy on the field is the product of hours of practice, video sessions, and a shared mindset: relentless competitiveness.
NCAA Quarterfinals: What Lies Ahead
With the win, the team now advances to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third time in program history—and with the way they’re playing, there’s a growing belief that they might just make their first Final Four appearance.
Their next opponent will likely be [next team], a formidable squad with a deep bench and one of the nation’s top defenses. It’ll be a clash of styles—explosive offense vs. suffocating defense—and it promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament.
Coach [Name] knows it’ll take more than individual brilliance to advance.
“We’ll need our entire roster to show up,” she said. “Quarterfinals are a different beast. We can’t rely on the same formula. But if Callie and Bella keep leading the way, we’ll be in a good position.”
The Legacy Being Written
In the world of college lacrosse, moments like this tend to stick. For Hem and Goodwin, their 13-goal performance will be remembered as a defining chapter not only in their collegiate careers but in the history of their program.
It was a performance that transcended numbers. It was about grit, rhythm, trust—and the kind of poise you expect from seasoned professionals, not college players under immense pressure.
For younger players watching, both in the stands and on TV, it was a masterclass in how to lead through action.
Looking Ahead
With momentum on their side, this team now becomes one of the dark horses in the tournament—one that no higher seed will want to face. The chemistry, the confidence, and the leadership are all clicking at the right time.
And if Sunday was any indication, Hem and Goodwin are far from finished.
“We’re not satisfied,” Goodwin said after the game. “Getting to the quarterfinals is great—but we want more.”
Hem echoed the sentiment: “We know what we’re capable of. One game at a time—but we believe.”
Final Stats Snapshot
- Callie Hem: 7 goals, 2 assists, 3 draw controls
- Bella Goodwin: 6 goals, 1 assist, 5 draw controls
- Team Shots on Goal: 24
- Draw Controls Won: 16
- Ground Balls Recovered: 19
- Turnovers Forced: 10
- Virginia Turnovers: 14
- Saves by Goalkeeper: 8