University of Virginia Artificial Turf Field

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The University of Virginia Athletics Department unveiled the newartificial turf field on September 2, 1995 as the Cavaliers hosted theWildcats of Davidson in a field hockey match. The ‘Hoos won that game5-0 behind a hat trick from first-year Meridith Thorpe. Thorpe would goon to score 101 career goals, an ACC record.

The Artificial Turf Field is the home of the Virginia fieldhockey program and also serves as a home venue for the men’s and women’slacrosse programs. The women’s lacrosse team won the 1998 ACC title onthe Artificial Turf Field and has hosted numerous ACC and NCAA events,including NCAA lacrosse quarterfinal matches in 1997, 1998, and 1999.

Virginia is a perfect 4-0 in NCAA competition on the surface, having wonone field hockey match (Penn State, 1997) and three lacrosse matches.Overall, the field hockey team is 62-16 at the Artificial TurfField. From 1997-1998 the Cavaliers strung together 17 consecutive wins,going 21-2 at home over the two-year period. Virginia’s lacrosse team is21-5 over the seven-year period.

The surface is also used as an all-weather surface by otherVirginia sports.