CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Virginia field hockey players Elly Buckley (Scarborough Perth, Australia) and Rachel Jennings (Macungie, Pa.) have been selected to the All-ACC Preseason Team, released Tuesday by the conference office. Additionally, the Cavaliers were picked to finish third in the conference standings.

Buckley, a sophomore, was a NFHCA third team All-American in 2010 after contributing 19 goals and a team-best 11 assists. She was a first team all-south region member in addition to being an All-ACC selection as a rookie.

Jennings, a senior, is serving her second year as a team captain. A defensive midfielder, Jennings joined Buckley on the all-region first team a year ago and was also selected to the 2010 NCAA All-Tournament Team. 

National runner-up North Carolina was picked by a vote of the league's head coaches to win the ACC this season. The 2010 national champion Maryland Terrapins were picked second.

Also released Tuesday was the first NFHCA/Kookaburra coaches poll, where the Cavaliers debut at No. 3 behind Maryland and North Carolina, respectively.

Virginia opens the 2011 campaign at 5 p.m. Friday at home against VCU. Admission to all field hockey games is free.

2011 Predicted Order of Finish (as selected by the league’s coaches)

2011 Preseason All-ACC Team (as selected by the league’s coaches)