Cavaliers Ranked Eighth Nationally by NFHCA

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Sept. 26, 2006

The Virginia field hockey team has been ranked eighth in the latest poll by the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association (NFHCA), as released by the organization today. The Cavaliers (7-3) are 3-1 against the current top-20, including a 2-1 victory over No. 6 UNC. In addition, first-year left striker Traci Ragukas and fourth-year keeper Kat Blair are both ranked in the national statistics, while Virginia as a team also appears in numerous categories.

The Cavaliers rank 21st in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 1.47 goals per game. Virginia also ranks 27th in scoring average, notching 2.63 goals per game. The Cavaliers have also drawn 7.3 short corners per game, which ranks them 20th in the nation.

The Virginia offense is paced by first year Ragukas, who is averaging .80 goals per game, which ranks her 25th nationally. At the other end of the pitch, Blair currently sports a 1.60 goals-against average, which ranks her 25th as well.

This is the first year that the NCAA has compiled the national field hockey statistics; previously the NFHCA oversaw the national stats rankings.

The Cavaliers are also ranked sixth in the womensfieldhockey.com poll.

Virginia returns to action on Wednesday, Sept 27 with a game at No. 19 Richmond, before welcoming top-ranked Maryland on Friday, Sept. 29.