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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The 18th-ranked Virginia field hockey team (4-3) concludes its seven game road trip with a pair of non-conference contests this weekend in Evanston, Ill. The Cavaliers will face No. 11 California at 1 p.m. central (2 p.m. eastern) Saturday before taking on Northwestern at 1 p.m. central (2 p.m. eastern) Sunday. Both games will be played on Northwestern’s campus and live stats will be linked on VirginiaSports.com.

Virginia has won two of its last three games but most recently is coming off a 3-0 loss to Michigan State to conclude its trip to Oxford, Ohio, last weekend. Before that game the Cavaliers registered a 3-0 win at James Madison and a 2-1 victory at Miami (Ohio).

Sophomore Elly Buckley leads the UVa offense thus far with four goals and assist for a team-best nine points. She also paces the team with 23 shots, including 13 on target. Classmates Hadley Bell and Carissa Vittese, along with junior Britt Knouse have each registered three goals apiece. Freshman Jess Orrett has a team-best four assists.

In the cage, freshman Jenny Johnston holds a 2.36 goals against average and a .645 save percentage. She has 20 saves in all seven games, including five starts.

At No. 11, undefeated California (5-0) received its highest ranking since the NFHCA coaches poll began in 1998. The Golden Bears have recorded victories over Louisville (3-1), Michigan State (4-3 in overtime), Pacific (10-0), Northeastern (4-2) and Indiana (3-1).

Sophomore Andrea Earle and senior Megan Shimojima lead the way for Cal, each contributing six goals, while Lara Kruggel adds a team-best five assists. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Hand boasts a 1.52 goals against average and a .767 save percentage.

The Cavaliers are 2-1 all-time against California. The two teams have not met since the 2007 season, a 3-0 Virginia win in Charlottesville.

Northwestern, receiving votes in the latest poll, is 5-2 on the year. The Wildcats went 2-0 earlier this week with a win vs. then-No. 8 American (2-1) and at Ball State (3-1). Northwestern will play Cal at 1 p.m. Friday before taking on Virginia Sunday.

Junior Chelsea Armstrong paces the Wildcat offense this season with a team-best eight goals, while senior Regan Mooney contributes three scores and a squad-best six assists. In goal, rookie Maddy Carpenter has a 1.65 goals against average and a .806 save percentage.

Virginia is 7-2 all-time vs. Northwestern after a 2-0 win in Charlottesville last season.

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