The Duke women’s lacrosse team achieved a significant milestone in their 2025 season, securing a dominant 17-9 victory over the University of Virginia in the NCAA Tournament. The win not only propelled the Blue Devils to the NCAA Quarterfinals but also showcased the immense talent and hard work of two of their star players: Callie Hem and Bella Goodwin. Combined, Hem and Goodwin scored 13 of the team’s 17 goals, a testament to their exceptional performance and their ability to shine under the pressure of postseason play.
A Look at the Performance of Callie Hem and Bella Goodwin
Both Callie Hem and Bella Goodwin have been pivotal to the success of the Duke women’s lacrosse team throughout the 2025 season. Their partnership in the game against Virginia was nothing short of spectacular, with Hem contributing 7 goals and Goodwin adding 6 of her own. Their performance in this NCAA Tournament game demonstrated not only their skill but also their chemistry on the field. It’s no surprise that these two players were the driving force behind Duke’s offensive surge, as they have consistently been two of the team’s most prolific scorers throughout the season.
Hem, a senior, has been a key figure for Duke for the past several years. Known for her quickness, agility, and sharp shooting skills, Hem has been able to break through defenses with ease. Her 7 goals against Virginia were a testament to her ability to capitalize on every opportunity, and she demonstrated a remarkable ability to find the back of the net, whether it was from distance or with a quick dodge through the crease. Her impressive offensive arsenal allowed her to score in a variety of ways, giving Virginia’s defense little chance to anticipate her next move.
Goodwin, on the other hand, has been steadily improving throughout her career and has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable players. Her 6 goals in the victory against Virginia were a result of her impressive stick skills, vision, and composure in high-pressure moments. Known for her ability to read the defense and create opportunities for herself and her teammates, Goodwin has become a vital piece of the offensive puzzle for the Blue Devils. Her ability to stay calm and make decisions in critical moments, coupled with her natural athleticism, makes her a constant threat on the field.
Together, Hem and Goodwin have formed one of the most dynamic duos in women’s lacrosse. Their ability to feed off each other’s energy and understand each other’s tendencies on the field has allowed them to complement each other perfectly. Their synchronized efforts in the victory over Virginia highlighted their on-field connection, and it’s clear that Duke’s chances in the tournament will heavily depend on their continued success.
A Comprehensive Look at the Game
While Hem and Goodwin’s performance stole the spotlight, the game against Virginia was a true team effort. The Blue Devils, under the leadership of head coach Kerstin Kimel, demonstrated a well-rounded performance that was a culmination of the hard work they had put in throughout the regular season. The victory was marked by a solid defensive effort, excellent ball movement on offense, and exceptional playmaking from both the midfield and attack.
From the opening whistle, Duke took control of the game. The team came out with intensity, setting the tone early with an aggressive offense that Virginia struggled to contain. Hem and Goodwin were key to this early dominance, as they connected for several goals in the first half, each displaying a variety of offensive moves that left the Cavaliers’ defense scrambling to adjust.
As the first half progressed, it became evident that Virginia was going to need to step up their defensive game in order to slow down the Blue Devils. However, even as Virginia began to make adjustments, Hem and Goodwin continued to find ways to break through. Their ability to work together, with Goodwin often feeding Hem with pinpoint passes and vice versa, kept the defense on its toes. Their chemistry was apparent in every possession, as they continuously created opportunities for each other.
The second half of the game was more of the same, with Duke refusing to let up. Virginia, though a talented and capable team, struggled to match the Blue Devils’ offensive firepower. The defense, led by standout players like goalkeeper Claudia Long and defenders such as Sarah Bess, kept Virginia from finding any sustained offensive rhythm. Long, in particular, played a critical role in the victory, making several key saves that denied Virginia scoring opportunities when it appeared they might be able to close the gap.
Despite Virginia’s best efforts to make a comeback, Duke maintained its composure and kept up the pressure. The Blue Devils’ offensive strategy, which was built around quick ball movement, off-ball cutting, and using Hem and Goodwin as focal points, proved to be too much for Virginia’s defense. The Cavaliers had no answer for the offensive onslaught, and as the final whistle blew, Duke had secured a decisive 17-9 victory.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
This victory was crucial for Duke as it secured their spot in the NCAA Quarterfinals. The win marked an important step in the team’s quest for a national championship, as they will now have the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the country. While there is still work to be done, the Blue Devils are in a strong position heading into the next phase of the tournament.
The road to the Quarterfinals has been anything but easy for Duke. The NCAA Tournament is always a grueling test of skill, mental toughness, and endurance. However, with the combination of talented players like Hem and Goodwin, along with a well-coached and disciplined team, Duke has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their performance against Virginia was just a glimpse of what they are capable of, and their goal is now firmly set on making a deep run in the tournament.
For the Blue Devils, the journey to the Quarterfinals represents not just an achievement in itself but also an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. With players like Hem and Goodwin leading the way, Duke is poised to make a significant impact as they continue their pursuit of an NCAA Championship.
The Impact on the Team’s Future
As the Blue Devils advance to the next round of the tournament, the performances of Hem and Goodwin will undoubtedly be key factors in their continued success. Both players have the ability to take over games and make an impact in crucial moments, and their leadership will be vital as Duke looks to navigate the remainder of the tournament.
For Hem, this could be the culmination of a stellar career at Duke. As a senior, she has the opportunity to leave behind a legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats. Her ability to step up in big moments, as she did against Virginia, has been a hallmark of her career, and her leadership on and off the field will be instrumental as the Blue Devils push forward in the NCAA Tournament.
Goodwin, meanwhile, has quickly established herself as one of the most promising players in the program. Her continued development and her performance in high-pressure situations bode well for Duke’s future. If Goodwin can maintain her composure and continue to perform at a high level, she has the potential to become one of the top players in women’s lacrosse in the coming years.
As Duke heads into the Quarterfinals, the key to their success will be their ability to maintain the momentum they’ve built thus far. The team has shown that they are capable of competing with the best in the country, and with Hem and Goodwin leading the way, they have the talent and determination to go far in the tournament.
The 17-9 victory over Virginia was a defining moment for the Duke women’s lacrosse team. The combined effort of Callie Hem and Bella Goodwin, who scored 13 of the team’s 17 goals, was the driving force behind the victory and served as a clear indication of the talent and potential within the team. As the Blue Devils advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals, they do so with the confidence that they can compete with any team in the country.
With Hem’s experience and leadership and Goodwin’s emerging brilliance, Duke is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament. The victory over Virginia was a key step in their journey, and if they continue to play with the same intensity, focus, and teamwork, there’s no telling how far they can go in pursuit of an NCAA Championship. For Duke women’s lacrosse, the road to the Quarterfinals is just the beginning, and the best may yet be to come.
