Each week, we’ll recap how each of Duke’s sports currently in competition performed over the last week, and give a brief look ahead. We continue with the week of Sept. 28.
Football
Disappointing is the only word to sum up Duke football thus far. After an up-and-down performance against a Virginia Tech team with 21 players and two full-time coaches out due to COVID-19, the Blue Devils (0-4, 0-4 in the ACC) once again came up short. Running backs Mataeo Durant and Deon Jackson finally both had productive days on the ground, but a more complete team performance is crucial for Duke to get into the win column against Syracuse this coming weekend. -Jake Piazza
Men’s soccer
Duke men’s soccer returned to the pitch Friday, falling 2-0 to rival North Carolina and putting only three shots on target. The Blue Devils (1-2, 1-1) are now getting outscored 6-3 on the year. Duke will travel to Doak Field Friday for a rematch against N.C. State, who the Blue Devils defeated Sept. 26 for their only victory of the season thus far. -Alex Jackson
Women’s soccer
After a tough few weeks, the 11th-ranked Blue Devils took down No. 3 Clemson in a close 1-0 win at home Sunday. After testing out some new offensive strategies last week in a 2-0 loss against the Tar Heels, Duke (2-1-2, 1-1-2) found success in the back of the net against the Tigers when freshman Olivia Migli slipped between two defenders and sent a quick ground shot past the Clemson goalie. Sunday’s win will undoubtedly help Duke rise in the rankings and gain momentum going into its final home match of the season Friday against Virginia Tech. -Langley Barnes
Field hockey
After dropping its opening two games at Louisville last weekend, Duke (0-3, 0-3) continued its struggles Sunday, falling to North Carolina 4-0 at home. The Blue Devils are now being outscored 10-1 through three games, though it’d be tough to find a more difficult first two opponents than the Cardinals and Tar Heels and Duke continues to show promise that this young group has potential. The Blue Devils don't return to the pitch until Oct. 16 against Boston College. -Evan Kolin
Volleyball
Duke volleyball continued its undefeated start, blowing Virginia out of the water Friday with a 3-0 sweep. The 14th-ranked Blue Devils (3-0, 3-0 in the ACC) are executing at the highest level, but their dominance is now going to be put on hold for a while. Their second match against Virginia was postponed due to a lack of available players for the Cavaliers, who cited COVID-19 and injury-related absences. Furthermore, this week’s matches against Virginia Tech have been postponed for similar reasons. -Christian Olsen
Duke men’s and women’s cross country did not compete this past week, its next race coming Wednesday in the N.C. State Invitational.
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Jake Piazza is a Trinity senior and was sports editor of The Chronicle's 117th volume.