Record: 18-4 (3-2 ACC) Finish: Loss vs. UNC in NCAA semifinals
MVP: Paige Selenski
Selenski emerged as the dominant leader of the talented squad. She didn't just lead the team with 27 goals, but made them count - 7 of them were game-winners. Her list of accolades includes being first-team All-American, All-ACC, and Virginia Collegiate Athlete of the Year.
Overview: UVA was third in a decidedly orderly hierarchy in field hockey this year. The Hoos finished with 4 losses, one to NCAA champion Maryland and three to runner-up UNC. All four games were decided by one goal, and three of them needed overtime. The team played 11 other games against ranked teams and won them all, led by Selenski and sophomore forward Elly Buckley.
Season Highlight(s): A 2-1 win over then #3 Princeton in front of a packed home crowd. The game featured some tense late moments and established UVA among the NCAA's elite. It would also give the team some confidence in its rematch in Charlottesville in the NCAA tournament, a 4-2 UVA win.
Season Lowpoint(s): All 4 losses....but especially the season-ending one to UNC. UVA took at 2-0 early lead but couldn't hold on and fell in overtime. It had to be frustrating to get so close so many times to coming though against the likes of UNC and UMD, but falling just short.
Future Outlook: Virginia will be back - Selenski and Buckley return, as do all but 3 starters. In addition, a talented recruiting class will also be on board. You better believe that the team is looking forward to getting another shot at UNC and Maryland this fall. UVA should be one of the favorites to play for the 2011 NCAA title.