Following a full week of play, and a solid 2-1 win Sunday over Ohio State, the Virginia field hockey team is preparing for its next matchup. The Cavaliers will face James Madison tonight at 7 at the University Hall Turf Field.
The Cavaliers (8-3) are midway through a strong regular season. This fall's play has been solid across the field, anchored by the consistency of goalkeeper Emily White, whose efforts have denied the opposition chances to put points on the board. Backs Mason White and Molly McManus have been unyielding, keeping play out of the defensive end.
On offense, Jess Coleman and Carrie Goodloe have shown proficiency in converting clears to scoring opportunities. Aided by the efforts of Cara Unterkofler and Shannon LaVigne, the Cavaliers have proven themselves to be strong offensively.
Tonight, the Cavaliers will look to capitalize on all of these facets as they face a solid JMU team. Since the Dukes finished No. 15 in 2000, the consistently strong squad has seen some changes.
The loss of many seniors, and sophomore starter Lindsay Keller to the U.S. National Team, caused the need for restructuring. However, with the retention of many key players, and the addition of nine talented freshmen to the 2001 lineup, they will have a powerful starting lineup and deep reserves.
With an overall record of 8-4, the JMU field hockey team clearly is coming together this season, and the Cavaliers are aware of the challenge they will pose. Senior Traci Forchetti - who was named Colonial Athletic Association athlete of the week - and junior Heather Platzer will spearhead the JMU offensive effort. In goal for the Dukes, junior Kiernan Raffo now fills the spot vacated by 2000 all-conference keeper Amanda Latz.
Virginia coach Jessica Wilk said that tonight's game will be a good matchup between two strong teams. She described the Dukes as "very tenacious," cautioning that "if we only focus on one or two players, it will come back to haunt us; we need to shut down their entire lineup."
Both Wilk and senior captain White realize the importance of a strong Cavalier effort tonight. After the high of Virginia's win over No. 1 Maryland on Sept. 30, and the disappointment at losing to William & Mary last Wednesday, White said, "everything came together against Ohio State."
Tonight's game will be an opportunity for the Cavaliers to continue this strong play, and to obtain a level of consistency to carry them through the second half of the season.
White said that if the Cavaliers can "play off one another and maintain an overall awareness on the field," their efforts should be rewarded with a victory over James Madison.
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