Nearly halfway through its 2002 campaign, the field hockey team (5-4, 0-1) already has had its fair share of ups and downs.
The team started quickly, winning its first four games and climbing to a No. 9 national ranking. But the floor fell out from underneath the Cavaliers soon thereafter and the team dropped its next three and plummeted in the national polls.
Then, just when Virginia seemingly shook out of its slump with a 3-2 upset over No. 14 Berkeley, the Cavaliers got pounded 11-0 by No. 4 Old Dominion Sunday.
"We're fighting to try and achieve" consistent performances, Virginia coach Jessica Wilk said. "We're striving for consistency, we're striving to bring out the best that we're capable of each and every game. We're striving for a consistent 70 minutes."
The next stop on the Cavaliers' roller coaster season is unranked Radford (3-5), whom Virginia will face tonight at 7 on the U.Va. Turf Field. The Cavaliers, however, control whether this game will be a peak or a valley.
"We just need to do the simple things," senior forward Katie Slocum said. "Take care of business right off the bat and put some goals on the board. And then play strong defense."
To come away with a victory against Radford, Virginia must keep the game close. So far this season, three of the team's four losses have come by two or more goals. On the other hand, the Cavs have pulled off each of their five wins by one goal -- including two victories in sudden death overtime.
The friendly confines of the Turf Field also might play a part in Virginia's success against Radford. While they are only 2-4 on the road this season, the Cavaliers are 3-0 when playing at home.
"It's always good to play at home, especially at night under the lights," Slocum said. "It's our fans, our field, it's awesome."
Virginia will be playing its second straight game without senior captain Cara Unterkofler, who sustained a foot injury in the team's game against Berkeley. The gritty midfielder's hustle, leadership and tough on-the-ball defense were desperately missed Sunday as the team struggled to counter Old Dominion's relentless attack.
"She brings a lot to the team," Slocum said of her co-captain. "She's really strong defensively, and she plays in the middle, so she always has a mark."
Though Radford enters the game with a losing record, it has capable offensive weapons. Twice this season, the Highlanders have scored five or more goals.
"They always give us a tough game," Wilk said. "They're very scrappy, very strong. They play hard as a unit and I expect that tomorrow will be no different. I'm expecting a very good game."
Erin Lenhardt leads the Highlander attack. The junior midfielder has netted seven goals and two assists in the team's eight games.
The Radford matchup begins a two-week span of four consecutive home games for the Cavaliers. To this point in the season, it has been an up and down ride for Virginia, but the Cavaliers recognize that a strong effort against the Highlanders will mark a step in the right direction for the team.
"We just need a win," Slocum said. "If we want to make the NCAAs, it's games like this that are important."
Read More
Women’s basketball goes scoreless in the final three minutes of a 68-65 loss to Louisville
By Xander Tilock | 1 hours agoThe Cavaliers have now lost three straight ACC games.
The Cavaliers run, jump, and throw their way through the Penn 10 Elite
By Caroline Wulff | 1 hours agoVirginia runners turned in quality performances against competition from the Ivy League, Big Ten and other prominent conferences.
No. 5 women’s tennis wins ITA Kickoff Weekend in thrilling final
By Gracie Genereux | 2 hours agoVirginia defended its home court in the regional qualifier.
