Virginia Comes Back to Beat Duke on Senior Day

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The third-ranked Virginia field hockey team concluded the regular season with a come-from-behind, 2-1 victory over No. 14 Duke Saturday at the University Hall Turf Field. Sophomores Paige Selesnki and Michelle Vittese each scored and contributed an assist in the win.

Virginia seniors Lauren Elstein and Traci Ragukas were honored following the game for their contributions to the program.

With the win, the Cavaliers conclude the regular season with a 16-2 mark and a 3-2 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The team’s only losses were to No. 1 Maryland and No. 2 North Carolina in overtime.

For the game, the Cavaliers outshot Duke 15-8 and also had a 7-5 advantage on penalty corners. Selenski and junior Inga Stöckel each had four shots to lead Virginia.

Duke (9-9, 0-5 ACC) was first to strike, scoring in 21st minute on a penalty corner. Lauren Miller recorded the goal, beating UVa keeper Kim Kastuk. The Blue Devils led 1-0 at halftime.

Five minutes into the second half, Selenski tied the game, tipping in a pass from Vittese from the right side. The Cavaliers struck again four minutes later, this time Vittese scoring on a two-on-one opportunity, receiving the pass from Selenski.

Selenski leads Virginia with 22 goals on the year, while Vittese scored her sixth of the season.

Kastuk finished with three saves, while Samantha Nelso had eight stops for the Blue Devils.

The pairings for the 2009 ACC Field Hockey Championship will be announced later this evening by the conference office. Virginia will play host to the event next Thursday (Nov. 5) through Sunday (Nov. 8) at the University Hall Turf Field.