Following its 3-2 upset victory over No. 1 Maryland on Sunday, Virginia's field hockey team is eager to take on in-state rival, William & Mary, tonight at 6. at University Hall Turf Field.
The Cavaliers have been experiencing an exceptional season thus far with an overall record of 6-2 and an ACC record of 1-1. Defensively, goalkeeper Emily White has been phenomenal in the cage - preventing shots on goal from becoming points on the board. Backs Molly McManus and Mason White also have played significant roles in the hard line of defense maintained by the Cavaliers.
Offensively, Jess Coleman leads the team with 12 goals this season, and Katie Slocum and Katie Nicholson combine forces to maintain intense pressure on the opposition.
Thanks to a consistently strong defense and powerful attack, William & Mary has experienced three consecutive winning seasons and finished the 2000 season ranked No. 12 nationally.
In 2001, however, the Tribe has experienced some restructuring. The arrival of assistant coach Quam Nim and the departure of five starters has prompted a new strategy. Nevertheless, the addition of nine freshmen and the return of five vital players have proven crucial elements for the Tribe.
In effect, William & Mary has managed to sustain the skill and vigor needed to hold an overall record of 8-2.
The Cavaliers have not failed to take notice. Virginia coach Jessica Wilk recognizes the Tribe as "a solid team which will be a presence in [tonight's] game, especially with their dangerous attackers ... They have had a phenomenal year and they play well together, which will make [the match] a tightly, contested game."
Wilk also is aware of William & Mary's key returnees who may pose a threat to the Cavaliers. Wilk said Virginia is especially focusing on senior co-captain and midfielder Jessica Jiao, junior midfielder Kristen Southerland and junior forward Ann Eckberg. To combat the Tribe's efforts tonight, Wilk plans to focus on the same basic skills and principles that have proven successful so far in 2001.
Although tonight's game against William & Mary immediately follows Virginia's monumental victory over Maryland, the Cavaliers want to remain focused on their main objective: overtaking the Tribe.
"Every game from here on out is just as big," White said. "We need to maintain that same level of play. We need to approach [the] game as if we were playing Maryland"
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