The No. 12 field hockey team (11-6) will play its final ACC match of the season today at home against Virginia (9-8) at 2 p.m. Both teams will be vying for their first conference victory before the ACC tournament, which will be held at Duke beginning Nov. 7.
"UVa has had a really up and down season, but it is always a tough game with them," head coach Liz Tchou said. "I expect them to bring a do-or-die attitude and for it to be a very competitive game of hockey."
The Blue Devils, who have lost their starting goalkeeper Erica Perrier to a knee injury, will be led by offensive powerhouse Kim Van Kirk. Van Kirk leads the team in points, goals, shot percentage and is third in assists.
"We have been working on shooting and finishing lately" Van Kirk said. "We hope to get quicker shots off and take advantage of opportunities inside the circle."
Duke, which has posted an overwhelming 7-1 record at home, recognizes that UVa, which upset North Carolina 1-0 in a non-conference game, is capable of surprises.
"We know that anyone can beat anyone and that getting an ACC win will be a huge boost for us before entering the ACC tournament," senior tri-captain Sarah Wright said.
The Blue Devils will need to maintain a strong defensive line, being well aware that one goal could easily make the difference.
"UVa has had some lucky games," Perrier said. "Anything can go in at any time. We will need to play consistent defense."
UVa poses its biggest threat from the cage where Emily White, twice selected as ACC player of the week this season, has notched four shutouts this season. White has been the most dominant and consistent Cavalier throughout the season, playing in 1,184 out of a possible 1,281 minutes while recording a .841 save percentage.
"Emily White is a very good, awesome keeper," Tchou said. "She is very aggressive and likes to come out a lot. We are going to have to keep on her and take lots of shots, especially inside the 25."
Duke cannot afford to look past an unpredictable UVa team in anticipation of the tournament, and consequently must focus on securing a crucial win and much needed momentum for a team that has severely struggled in conference.
"The team's mood could be described as patient excitement," Wright said. "We know this game is very important and that we need to get good angled shots.
With the expected return of playmaker Johanna Bischof and a calculated offensive eagerness to score, Duke feels it should have no problem emerging victorious before a home crowd.
"We're very confident against a team like UVa, which has had some up and down games," Perrier said. "They have won some tough matches, but have also been very vulnerable."
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