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Aug. 23, 2003
The 2003 Virginia hockey team opens up its campaign with an exhibition game against the Eagles of American University on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1:00 pm. The Cavaliers are aiming to return to the NCAA tournament in 2003.
The 2003 Cavaliers have a lot about which to be excited. Virginia returns the top goal-scorer from a year ago and eight other starters, giving the Hoos a solid foundation for the upcoming campaign. Youth has turned into experience, and when one adds in the exuberance from a top recruiting class, and a summer full of time spent in summer league play, the Hoos have all the basics for what will be an exciting fall in Charlottesville.
Virginia welcomes back all three goalkeepers from last year, including All-ACC performer Emily White. White, who spent time training with the national squad this past summer, will train with Logan Carr and Katherine Blair again. White is a two-year starter who has ranked among the national leaders both years and also appears in the top-10 in Virginia career lists. Blair was also invited to A Camp in 2003, and all three keepers played in the USFHA Summer League in 2003, keeping them in close touch with hockey this summer.
The back line returns two starters from 2002 and welcomes back a starter from 2001. Juli Bojanic and Sarah Miller have a year of experience behind them and have been playing all summer with the USFHA Summer League. Miller, who was invited to A Camp in 2003, led the Cavaliers with two defensive saves in 2002. Katie Jo Gerfen will also be back on the pitch for the Cavaliers after a year’s absence. The former ACC All-Tournament selection will be a welcome addition as she has started every game in which she has played in a Virginia uniform and has some national team experience as well. Biffy Cornelison, who redshirted in 2003, will also look to add experience in the back. Adding depth to the backfield will be newcomers Jen McCallum and Erin Hayes.
In the midfield, the Cavaliers turn to veterans Shannon LaVigne and Katie Phillips to lead the Virginia charge. Phillips started every game last year as a true first-year and that game experience will prove invaluable. Dana Anderson also earned a starting nod in 2002 and has a year of collegiate hockey experience with her. Newcomers Mia Link and Aly Curmaci will help add depth to the midfield.
The front line has a host of veterans, including fourth-year Katie Nicholson, who has played in more games than any other returning field player for the Cavaliers. Nicholson led the Cavaliers in 2002 with three game-winning goals, including two games against higher-ranked opponents. She will be joined up front by Allie Flynn, who is the Cavaliers’ top returning scorer. Flynn started last year for Virginia and gained valuable experience with a year of collegiate field hockey behind her. Lindsey Selfridge, who redshirted last year, has had a year of practice and will provide experience up front. Virginia prepster Lindsay O’Bannon will also look to contribute in the forward line.
As usual, the Cavaliers’ schedule is one of the toughest in the nation and will prove a fertile testing ground for this group. The ACC is the strongest conference in the nation and features three former national champions and three tournament participants from 2002. Defending NCAA champion Wake Forest, Maryland, North Carolina and Duke are all top-10 programs. In addition, the Commonwealth of Virginia features four NCAA tournament teams from 2002, more than any other state, and including former NCAA champions Old Dominion and James Madison, as well as Atlantic-10 champion Richmond and perennial power William and Mary. Top inter-regional opponents Northeastern, Boston College, and Cornell will make the trip to Charlottesville, while the Cavaliers will travel to Princeton to take on the Ivy League Champions and CAA foe Drexel early in the season. The solid schedule will help the Hoos as they prepare for post season play. Virginia opens their regular season at home on September 1 with a 7:00 game against Northeastern.