Story Links
-
2024 NCAA Field Hockey Bracket
- 2024 NCAA Interactive Bracket
DURHAM, N.C. — The Duke field hockey team has received one of the prestigious eight at-large selections for the NCAA Championship, as revealed during the NCAA Division I selection show on Sunday night. Scheduled for action on Friday, Nov. 15, the Blue Devils will face off against the Maryland Terrapins, just eight miles from campus, at Karen Shelton Stadium at 1:30 p.m. Additionally, the opening round features another matchup between top-seeded North Carolina and the winner of a clash between Delaware and Fairfield, with both games available for viewing on ESPN+.
This year marks a significant milestone as Duke earns its 20th overall bid to the NCAA Tournament and boasts its second consecutive appearance. The Blue Devils are set to make their seventh trip to Chapel Hill, where they hold a 4-6 record against North Carolina. Historically, Duke has performed well in NCAA first-round matchups, claiming victory in 15 of 19 encounters, though they have faced challenges with a 7-8 record in quarterfinal games.
In a notable rivalry, Duke will meet Maryland for the sixth time in NCAA Championship history, and intriguingly, this is the second meeting this season after Duke edged the Terrapins 1-0 at the ACC/B1G Cup. Historically in NCAA postseason play, the Blue Devils have a 2-3 record against Maryland, with their last encounter occurring in the 2017 quarterfinals. This upcoming match will set the stage for the first-ever clash between these two programs in the tournament’s first round.
Duke enters the postseason with an impressive overall record of 12-6, showcasing one of the standout defenses in the nation. The defensive unit, anchored by All-ACC second-team goalkeeper Frederique Wollaert, boasts a remarkable 0.63 goals against average, ranking second in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and third nationally. Notably, Wollaert’s personal 0.57 goals against average stands as the third best nationwide and represents the lowest figure in Duke’s single-season history.
On the offensive front, the Blue Devils are led by two-time All-ACC first-team standout Alaina McVeigh, who has scored 13 goals and secured two assists this season. This season, All-ACC first-team midfielder Charlie van Oirschot has additionally made significant contributions with four goals and five assists, while eight players overall have netted at least two goals. Not to be overlooked, All-ACC second-team member Kira Curland has excelled both offensively and defensively, contributing two goals and four assists, and playing a crucial role in the defensive penalty corner unit.
Maryland, also an at-large selection, secured its postseason spot after concluding the season with a 13-6 overall record and advancing to the Big Ten Championship semifinals, where they narrowly lost to eventual champion Michigan in a close shootout, 4-3.
The victor of Friday’s matchup will advance to the NCAA quarterfinals scheduled for November 17 at 12 p.m., also to be broadcasted on ESPN+.
To stay current with Duke field hockey updates, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by searching for “https://goduke.com/news/2024/11/10/DukeFH”.
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
**Interview with Coach of Duke Field Hockey Team Ahead of NCAA Championship**
**Editor:** Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Coach [Name], the head coach of the Duke field hockey team, just days before their NCAA Championship match against Maryland. Coach, thanks for joining us.
**Coach:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited for the upcoming game.
**Editor:** Duke has earned an at-large selection for the NCAA Championship for the 20th time in program history. What does this milestone mean for your team and the program?
**Coach:** It’s a significant achievement for us and a testament to the hard work and commitment of our players. Making the tournament in consecutive years shows that we are consistently competing at a high level, and we’re proud to represent Duke on this national stage.
**Editor:** You’ll be facing Maryland, a team you narrowly beat earlier this season. How do you feel that previous meeting will influence this matchup?
**Coach:** Each game is unique, but having a close victory against Maryland does give us some confidence. We’ve learned a lot since that game, and I believe both teams have grown. We’ll certainly prepare thoroughly to adapt to what they bring to the field.
**Editor:** Duke boasts one of the best defensive records in the nation, with goalkeeper Frederique Wollaert leading the way. How crucial has her performance been to your season’s success?
**Coach:** Frederique has been phenomenal this year. Her ability to limit goals—especially with such a low goals against average—has been a cornerstone of our strategies. A strong defense sets the tone for our game, allowing our attackers more freedom to create opportunities.
**Editor:** As you head into this crucial first-round matchup, what will be your key focus areas for the team?
**Coach:** We need to stay disciplined and focused, both in defense and attack. Maintaining our structure and communication on the field will be pivotal. Additionally, we want to capitalize on any opportunities we get to put pressure on their defense.
**Editor:** what message do you have for Blue Devil fans as you prepare for this intense rivalry showdown?
**Coach:** We truly appreciate our fans and their unwavering support. Their energy makes a tremendous difference, and we hope to make them proud with our performance. Let’s pack Karen Shelton Stadium and show what Blue Devil spirit is all about!
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach! Best of luck in your game against Maryland on November 15.
**Coach:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it!
