The Virginia field hockey team (15-6) had its season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to Duke (14-6) at University Hall Turf Field on Sunday (Nov. 15) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship.
Duke controlled the first half, scoring two goals on nine shots and holding a 2-1 advantage at halftime. Virginia battled in the second half, outshooting the Blue Devils 8-3, but the Cavaliers could not erase the deficit.
“This was a tough way to lose after such a great season,” said Virginia head coach Michele Madison. “The team really believed it, wanted it. We had such strong play all season, to end on this note leaves a sour taste. We will take some time and eventually we can look back and see what a great season this was.”
Junior striker Caleigh Foust (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) scored the Cavaliers’ lone goal, converting a fastbreak by senior Taylor Brown (Charlottesville, Va.) into the then game-tying goal 10:42 into the first half. Duke’s game winner came three minutes before halftime, with the Blue Devils converting their fourth penalty corner of the period into a 2-1 lead.
“The first two times we played Duke, we were able to generate a lot more attack inside the circle, something we weren’t able to do today,” Madison said. “We really dominated the second half, but we just couldn’t put it away, which is not normal for us.”
Junior goalkeeper Rebecca Holden (Fishing Creek, N.J.) made seven saves, playing the entire game in goal.
“I think we came out very strong in the second half,” Holden said. “We were very determined to come back and tie the game. I think we looked very strong, very composed out there. It is a shame we couldn’t put the ball in the net, but I am very proud of what we accomplished.”
North Carolina, Syracuse and UConn also advanced to the NCAA Semifinals, being held next Friday, Nov. 20 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Chris Graham
