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Freshman Elly Buckley and the third-ranked Virginia field hockey team (9-0, 1-0 ACC) returns home for a 5 p.m. contest Friday against top-ranked Maryland (8-1, 2-0 ACC). Buckley, a native of Perth, Australia, will face off against her older sister, Jemma, when the Cavaliers welcome the Terrapins. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Virginia field hockey t-shirt and free Domino’s pizza and Pepsi will be provided while supplies last.

Question: What was the process like for you to come play at UVa?
Buckley:
Coach Madison was in contact with my coach from home. That’s sort of how it started. I was planning to go to Maryland, but I changed my mind. I was put in touch with Michele and things sort of went from there.

Question: Had your sister, Jemma, committed yet?
Buckley:
No. I decided to come to UVa while she was still in Paris, and then she decided to come play field hockey in the States as well. She didn’t want to be back at home. She had been in contact with the Maryland coach for quite awhile and after I said yes, she said yes.

Question: Have you ever played against each other before?
Buckley:
Not officially, but in training we are always put up against each other. We are so competitive.

Question: How often do you talk?
Buckley:
Nearly every day. Sometimes twice a day. We Skype a lot. We keep up with each other’s teams and how each other is doing. Our brother gets married Saturday morning at 4 a.m. our time. He is setting up a Skype so we can watch it. I was trying to get Jemma to stay so we could watch it together I don’t think she will be able to – her team has to catch a plane to Michigan for a game on Sunday.

Question: Why did you decide to come play in the United States?
Buckley:
I decided I need a change; I needed something different. Chloe (Pendlebury) and I played on the same club team in Australia and we decided to come to the States together.

Question: What has it been like playing with Chloe at Virginia?
Buckley:
It’s exactly the same. It’s just like we are back in Perth. She plays in the back and leads the team. We play the same style here as in Perth. It hasn’t been too difficult to adjust.

Question: How did you get started playing field hockey?
Buckley:
Everyone in my family played, but especially my dad, because he used to play state field hockey. We all played from when we really young. It’s fun – I don’t know what’s so fun about chasing a ball – but it’s fun.

Question: What are you thinking about majoring in?
Buckley:
Kinesiology I think. I love sports and I am not interested in sitting behind a desk all day. I need to be active.

Question: What do you miss the most from home?
Buckley:
My friends. But I still Facebook them when I can. Coach Street challenged me to not go on it for a week – she thought I was addicted. I had to have Hadley (Bell) change my password for me, but I did it.

Question: Is there another challenge coming up?
Buckley:
Yes, we just started it. All the first years can’t eat sugar. Natural sugar is ok, like fruit and stuff like that, but no junk food. We decided to do this one after talking about the freshman 15. Last one standing is the winner.

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