Following a series of tough non-conference games, the Virginia women's soccer team begins ACC play this evening, taking on Duke in Durham N.C.
Prominent opponents such as Santa Clara, Stanford, West Virginia, William & Mary and Colorado have provided Virginia's preparation for play in what is arguably the most competitive conference in women's college soccer. To say the least, Virginia's ACC schedule will not provide any respite.
"We won't be able to stop and catch our breath," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said.
Despite being unranked, Duke (5-1-2) remains a quality opponent that will challenge the Cavaliers. Most recently, Duke defeated San Francisco and Ohio State by margins of 4-0 and 2-1 respectively. Duke's only loss of the season has come against then-No. 2 Texas A&M at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C. Furthermore, Duke enjoys a significant home-field advantage at Koskinen Stadium.
"Duke is always a tough team," Swanson said. "Hopefully we'll be rested. It's important for us to keep our momentum."
To beat the Blue Devils, Virginia will need to minimize the impact of Duke's dangerous offensive weapons. Sophomore forward Elisabeth Redmond, junior midfielder Kelly Hathorn and sophomore midfielder CJ Ludemann have all recorded more than seven points this season. Hathorn and Redmond, in particular, have been Duke's offensive stars. Additionally, Ludemann's strong play in last weekend's Duke adidas Classic earned her ACC co-player of the week honors.
Virginia's loss of junior forward Jess Rostedt to a knee injury already has been damaging for the Cavaliers. Now that Virginia is beginning its ACC schedule, Rostedt's absence will be even more noticeable. Virginia will have to rely on the offensive creativity of senior forward Shannon Foley, sophomore forward Caitlin Miskel and freshman midfielder Sinead Farrellyeven more than it has to date.
The focus will also be on the Cavalier defense, which has played extremely well this season. The Cavaliers, led by senior defender Becky Sauerbrunn, junior defender Nikki Krzysik and redshirt freshman goalkeeper Chantel Jones,have recorded five straight shut-outs and seven overall. The Cavalier defense faces a tough challenge from Duke's offense, but believes it is up to the task.
"Duke is a huge rivalry," senior forward Julia Falk said. "We are away, which makes things difficult. But I think it's a game that we can succeed in."
As if Virginia's road wasn't difficult enough, it will get even rockier after the Cavs face the Blue Devils. Virginia will continue its North Carolina road trip, facing Wake Forest Sunday.
"This road trip is always difficult," Swanson said.
Virginia will face the Blue Devils at 7 p.m.