The field hockey team prepares to host both Boston University and Boston College - its first ACC opponent of the season - this weekend, continuing a three-game homestand while hoping to extend its eight-game winning streak.
"We have to play with pressure, that's what it's all about in the ACC and just trying to play the best you can every single game," coach Michele Madison said. "You just have to let the pressure take care of itself."
The No. 4 Cavaliers (8-0) will kick off weekend action Friday against Boston University, which they have never defeated in four encounters.
Sophomore Paige Selenski and freshman Tara Puffenberger lead Virginia's attack, having each scored seven goals. Senior midfielder Traci Ragukas has contributed four goals this season, while sophomore midfielder Michelle Vittese has netted three.
The Cavalier's defensive front, however, has proven even more vital this season, giving up only four goals and allowing the offense to outscore opponents 31-4.
"It's really important that we keep our structure," sophomore back Floor Vogels said. "I hope we're going to be even better [against Boston]. When we build it up from the back, we benefit from the counter attacks and end up scoring."
The unranked Terriers hold a 3-5 record thus far, although they are riding a two-game winning streak. Boston University defeated Dartmouth, 1-0, last Sunday and dominated Sacred Heart, 7-0.
Offensively for the Terriers, senior forward Nikki Lloyd leads with five goals this season, while junior midfielder Allie Dolce has contributed four goals and five assists to total 13 points.
In the net for Boston University is junior Amanda Smith, who has recorded 26 saves on the season and a .605 save percentage.
Coincidentally, Virginia's own goalkeeper, junior Kim Kastuk, played for two seasons at Boston University before transferring to Virginia. Kastuk's career-best 13 saves with the Terriers came during an upset against Virginia last year.
Currently, Kastuk leads the nation in goals against average and save percentage, having only given up one goal this season in 470 minutes.
After its match against Boston University, Virginia will finally open ACC play Sunday against No. 9 Boston College.
"We went into overtime last year with both of them so we know they're going to come out hard against us," Selenski said. "They're going to want to beat us, we just have to come up and play our game."
The Eagles (7-1, 0-1) have only lost to top-ranked Maryland in a 6-2 defeat. Coming off a 2-1 overtime victory against No. 11 Massachusetts, the Eagles are led by an impressive offense that has tallied 36 goals thus far.
Senior forward Chelsey Feole leads the nation with 1.63 goals per game this season, scoring 13 goals in eight games. Midfielders sophomore Kate Gillis and junior Janna Anctil each have six goals. In the net, senior goalkeeper Kristine Stigas has allowed 15 goals on a .700 save percentage.
Against Boston College, the Cavaliers hold a 5-4 series advantage. The last contest between the two was a road game for Virginia that ended in its favor in overtime, 2-1. Then-freshmen Selenski scored both goals, lifting the Cavaliers to victory. The Cavaliers also defeated the Eagles in overtime during the 2007 ACC Tournament.
"We have a good divide between all the different lines," Selenski said. "There is strength in the defense, in the goalkeeper and all the way to attack"
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