Through the first two-thirds of the season, the field hockey team has shown that it's capable of beating any team in the country but susceptible to being beat by almost anyone.
This past weekend, the capable Duke team emerged and secured perhaps its biggest win in two years.
After rolling over Temple 5-1 Saturday, the 12th-ranked Blue Devils (7-5) rallied in the last 10 minutes to upset No. 7 Delaware, 2-1, Sunday on an overtime goal by Emily Ford. It was the highest-ranked opponent Duke has beaten since topping No. 3 Virginia 101 weeks ago.
"We talked a lot during the week about taking responsibility for the way we played," said coach Liz Tchou, referring to Duke's 3-0 loss to Wake Forest last week. "Each individual had to step up and be accountable. It was a great team effort. Everyone put in their workload."
Delaware (11-2) entered Sunday's game undefeated on its new turf at home and carrying a nine-game winning streak. The new playing surface was actually the same used in the World Cup earlier this year, and the slickness caused the Blue Devils problems getting their footing early. In addition, Delaware had the luxury of not playing Saturday, giving it extra time to prepare for Duke.
Juli Byrd scored off a penalty corner 20 minutes into the first half, and the lead held as the Blue Devils were unable to change the momentum of the game.
"I didn't think we played all that well in the first half," Tchou said. "They were playing our weakside and getting by us. Starting the second half, we came out really strong."
Though they came out strong, the Blue Devils struggled to find the back of the cage. Finally, with just over 10 minutes left, Duke earned a penalty corner and leading scorer Corey Ceccolini converted.
"It was 1-0 for a while," Tchou said. "We kept fighting and fighting. Against a team like Delaware, you just have to be patient. I knew when we tied them we'd win."
In the sudden-death overtime, Delaware held the ball for much of the period until Ford took possession of the ball around the 50. She dribbled straight in, and as Duke's forwards cleared out, found herself uncovered down the right side.
Kelly Adams, Delaware's goalie, came out to try and stop Ford, but the senior angled right and shot the ball into the cage at the six-minute mark, setting off a Blue Devil celebration.
"It was a very emotional finish," Tchou said. "The players stockpiled each other-I loved it."
Against Temple, there was no need for an emotional finish. Ceccolini scored two of her three goals for the game in the first seven minutes as Duke built a 4-0 halftime lead and cruised in the second half.
"We weren't taking Temple lightly," Tchou said, as Duke outshot the Owls 20-10 and held a 14-3 edge in penalty corners.
For the weekend, Tchou cited the strong play of goalkeeper Jenn Robb, who stopped eight shots against Delaware. In addition, Duke's freshmen played well in both games.
With the two-game sweep, the Blue Devils were able to make Tuesday's Demon Deacon loss a distant memory. Now, Duke has the entire week to prepare for a weekend showdown with Maryland. The Terrapins topped UNC, 5-0, this past weekend, and will obviously present a stiff challenge for the Blue Devils, who have started the conference season with two losses.
Tchou said she wants the players to work on individual defense and the passing game in practice. Defensively, maintaining their positioning and staying in front of the opposition.
"Since [a 2-1 loss to North] Carolina, I think we need to get back to our aggressive passing game," Tchou said. "We need to get back to our overlapping backs. We're much better when we just play."
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