Buckley, Jennings Earn All-Region Accolades

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Sophomore Elly Buckley and senior Rachel Jennings each earned all-south region honors as announced Thursday by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA). Buckley was honored on the first team for the second consecutive year while Jennings was selected to the second team.

“Elly and Rachel are so deserving of the recognition as they lead the team day in and day out,” Virginia head coach Michele Madison said. “They are so very respected by the coaching staff and their teammates for their loyal and demonstrated commitment to uncompromised excellence.”

As a first team selection, Buckley (Perth, Australia) is now eligible for All-America honors.

Buckley, a first team all-region selection as a freshman in 2010, paced the Virginia offense with a team-best 17 goals and nine assists for 43 points. She also led the Cavaliers with 67 shots. Buckley was named to both the 2011 All-ACC and ACC All-Tournament teams.

Jennings (Emmaus, Pa.) earned her second career all-region accolade this year. She started all 20 games for Virginia at defensive midfield. Jennings was a first team honoree as a junior in 2010.

Both Buckley and Jennings served as team captains for the Cavaliers this season. Virginia finished the year with an 8-12 mark.