If Wahoos are tired of watching the football team’s foibles, they may want to check out the University Hall Turf Field this weekend. After opening their season with a 4-1 record, the No. 8 Virginia field hockey team will battle against non-conference foes Kent State and No. 13 Louisville this weekend. Fresh off a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss to JMU in Harrisonburg, Va., the Cavaliers will be looking to regain their composure by playing at home.
“It’s always tough to play on the road because the turf conditions are different,” Virginia coach Michele Madison said. “That is why when you are at home, you have to take advantage of being home.”
It took two extra periods for the game against JMU to be decided, and in the end, JMU was able to harness its own home-field advantage. The Cavaliers were unable to capitalize on several opportunities as they outshot their opponent 17-16. JMU’s All-American junior goalkeeper Kelsey Cutchins was able to keep the Cavaliers off the scoreboard, recording five saves.
“I thought it was a great game,” sophomore goalkeeper Devon Burnley said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish.”
The Cavaliers will use the loss as a learning tool for the season. The young team gained valuable experience by playing in a hostile environment against one of the best teams in the country.
There will be no rest for the weary; Virginia needs to shake off its loss and prepare for this weekend’s set of tough games. The Cavaliers will look to bounce back against Kent State Saturday. The Golden Flashes are currently 4-1 on the season and eager for a marquee win. Virginia will have to avoid a hangover from its loss and make sure it executes its game plan and takes care of business.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend, so we need to refocus and pull it back together,” Burnley said.
Virginia will conclude the weekend Sunday by facing No. 13 Louisville. The Cardinals are 3-1 with victories against ranked teams Duke, Ohio and Ohio State. The Cardinals pose the biggest threat to the Cavaliers this weekend.
Virginia will look to draw on its array of talent to carry it through the weekend. The Cavaliers have a very balanced attack, which allows everyone to contribute, as evidenced by the fact that Virginia’s 18 goals have been scored by nine different players. Despite the loss to JMU, the Cavaliers should still be considered a solid team, as the Dukes are a good team themselves.
Virginia seeks to focus on the basics to get back on a winning track this weekend.
“This weekend I think we are just going to stick to our gameplan, work on our basic skills, and just rejuvenate for the upcoming week,” Burnley said.
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