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Non-conference foes challenge strong offense

After losing several crucial defenders to graduation, Virginia will look to replace backline with new players, adjustments

Virginia Cavaliers B Lauren Elstein (12)..The Virginia Cavaliers field hockey team faced the California Bears at the University Hall Field Turf in Charlottesville, VA on October 4, 2007.
Virginia Cavaliers B Lauren Elstein (12)..The Virginia Cavaliers field hockey team faced the California Bears at the University Hall Field Turf in Charlottesville, VA on October 4, 2007.

The No. 6 Virginia women's field hockey team faces a challenging weekend as it takes on two quality non-conference foes at home - Miami University, Ohio and No. 11 Penn State.\nThe Red Hawks return six starters and nine letter winners from last year's squad. Although unranked in the NFHCA poll, they earned some top-20 votes.\nSunday's game against Penn State could prove more challenging. Virginia has not had great success against the Nittany Lions in the past, losing the teams' previous five meetings and holding a 3-13 overall record against Sunday's foe. The 2008 Big Ten Champions also return five of their top six scorers from last season.\nLike Miami and Penn State, though, the Cavaliers return most of their offensive power, with seven of last year's nine leading scorers present. Most notable among those returning is sophomore midfielder Paige Selenski, who had a breakout rookie season with 19 goals and 9 assists. Virginia also welcomes back 13 letter winners from last year's squad, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.\nThough Virginia's offensive play is strong, the Cavaliers' biggest challenge will be on defense, which took a big hit after several key players graduated. Amy Desjadon, Inge Kaars Sijpesteijn and Lucy Meyers had been the foundation of the Cavalier defense during their time at the University.\n"You are always going to lose players, you just have to work with what you have got and be the best you can be as a team," senior back Lauren Elstein said. "I have complete confidence in the team this year."\nThe Cavaliers will attempt to replace last year's trio of defenders with several promising newcomers. Boston University transfer junior goalkeeper Kim Kastuk looks to fill Desjadon's former role in the cage. Kastuk was the America East Goalkeeper of the Year in 2008 and recorded a conference high six shutouts last season.\n"Having Kim come in and step in goal is great for the team," Elstein said. "She has a lot of heart, a lot of drive, and a lot of ability, so I am really excited to see what she brings to the defense back there."\nElstein, one of the team's two seniors this season, will move to the back, assuming many of the responsibilities that Meyers and Sijpesteijn held on defense. The majority of Virginia's newcomers will be on the defensive side of the field, and Elstein will attempt to lead and bolster the defense.\n"I want to be the best leader for the team and do whatever it is to help the team win," Elstein said. "I think we are looking at a really strong defense this year."\nThe Cavaliers have enough offensive firepower to hang with anyone in the country. It will, however, be up to the defense to come up with key stops for the Cavaliers to find success this season. Untested, the youthful backline could be the team's weakest link - or a pleasant, beneficial surprise.\n"We are just trying to build on last year - one day at a time, one practice at a time," coach Michele Madison said.

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