Aug. 22, 2007

CHARLOTTESVILLE - The Virginia field hockey team is ranked eighth in the preseason poll released by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, the organization announced today. The Cavaliers, who advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2006 and were ranked as high as No. 4 last year, are one of six ACC schools ranked in the top nine.

The 2007 Cavaliers will face 10 teams ranked in the preseason poll, including the top four teams and seven of the other nine teams ranked in the top-10.

"A top-10 preseason ranking is a tribute to what the 2006 team accomplished," said Virginia head coach Michele Madison. "Our work lies ahead of this very young squad."

That work continues this Sunday, August 26 as Virginia welcomes No. 7 Penn State to Charlottesville. Game time against the Nittany Lions is noon at University Hall Turf Field. The game is available on demand on Virginia.ACCSelect.com.

NFHCA Preseason Poll
1. Maryland
2. Wake Forest
3. UNC
4. Duke
5. Connecticut
6. Old Dominion
7. Penn State
8. VIRGINIA
9. Boston College
10. Iowa
11. James Madison
12. Michigan
13. Ohio State
14. Louisville
15. Indiana
16. American
17. Providence
18. Princeton
19. Michigan State
20. Boston University
Virginia 2007 opponents in bold