Rubeor reflects on UVa finale

By Whitey Reid

Published: June 8, 2008

Ben Rubeor is a professional lacrosse player now, but he’s still thinking about the shot he took against Syracuse two weeks ago in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.

The one that could have won the game for Virginia. The one that could have moved UVa into the championship against Johns Hopkins. The one that could have given the program a shot at its fifth national title.

The one that clanged off the post.

“It would have been awesome,” Rubeor said, “if it was two inches to the left.”

Shortly after Rubeor’s near game-winner, Syracuse‘s Mike Leveille scored to end Virginia ‘s season.

“It’s disappointing that it ended that way,” said Rubeor, who was held scoreless for the first time all season, “but at the same time that’s how sports goes sometimes — and I think it was one of the best games that I’ve seen in college lacrosse in a while.”

What made the loss painful for UVa — in addition to the fact they blew a five-goal second-half lead — was the fact that if they had held on, they wouldn’t have had to face top-ranked Duke in the finals. The Blue Devils, who had overpowered Virginia twice during the season, were upset by Johns Hopkins.

UVa, which defeated Hopkins in the regular season, likely would have had a much easier shot at the championship.

“That thought did cross my mind,” Rubeor said, “but at the same time a lot of teams could have looked at it that way. Maryland could do that if they wanted to.”

The loss has given Rubeor a greater appreciation for what Virginia accomplished in 2006. UVa went 17-0 that season, dominating everyone it faced en route to an NCAA championship.

“It’s one of those things that does make me realize that it might not have been as easy as it once appeared to win the championship,” Rubeor said.

Rubeor is in the process of moving on to the next chapter in his life. Shortly after the season ended, he was drafted by the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. This summer, Rubeor is living in New York City and working for a finance company. He made his debut for the Lizards last week. The Lizards’ next game is Saturday at the Washington Bayhawks.

“It’s a different-paced game and it’s a different level, too,” Rubeor said. “The guys are a lot better. It’s a transition, but it’s actually kind of cool to be back on the field and feel a little bit uncomfortable. I have to relearn some things.”

Rubeor — who plans on returning to Virginia in the fall to get his masters in finance from the McIntire School of Commerce — seems to be putting the loss to Syracuse in his rearview mirror.

“I’m not upset about it anymore,” he said, “but it was disappointing.”