The No. 4 Virginia field hockey team was eliminated from the ACC Tournament Thursday morning, falling to Duke 2-1 in the first round.
The fifth-seeded Cavaliers (15-5, 3-4 ACC) entered the game on two-weeks rest, and showed some rust in the opening portion of the game. They had great difficulty carrying the ball into the Duke (14-5, 4-3 ACC) circle as the fourth-seeded Blue Devils took advantage of the slow Virginia start, scoring off a penalty corner five minutes into the contest.
Virginia rebounded, playing much better for the rest of the half and eventually finding an equalizer with just five minutes remaining in the period. Senior forward Elly Buckley sent a cross in front of the net that found the stick of freshman forward Caleigh Foust for a quick tip in, sending the game into halftime tied.
The Cavaliers showed improvement in the second half, but Duke quickly took a 2-1 lead that Virginia would never overcome. Duke had a chance to add another goal when they were awarded a penalty stroke with 19 minutes left in the game, but junior goalkeeper Jenny Johnstone made a crucial save, keeping the Cavaliers alive.
With time running out, the Virginia offense was given opportunity after opportunity to tie the game, but Duke sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Blazing stymied every attempt. In a four-minute stretch beginning with 12 minutes left in the game, Virginia notched five shots on goal and was awarded four penalty corners, all of which were unsuccessful. Duke finished the game with 11 saves, including seven in the second half.
Duke will face No. 1 Maryland in the ACC Tournament semifinals Friday.
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