No. 10 Duke Shuts Out No. 13 Louisville 3-0

Saturday, August 29

Durham, N.C.

11:30 a.m.

Duke University

Louisville

No. 10 Duke Shuts Out No. 13 Louisville 3-0

8/29/2009 5:15:00 PM | Field Hockey

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke, ranked 10th in the latest Kookaburra/NFHCA poll, beat No. 13 Louisville, 3-0, on Saturday in the opening round of the Champions Challenge. Senior tri-captain Lauren Miller netted two goals as the Blue Devils won their season opener on Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.

"I think any time you open with a win its good thing," said head coach Beth Bozman. "We know there are some areas we need improvement but we came away with a win against a good team. So overall, we are happy with the result."

Senior tri-captain Amie Survilla tallied the first goal of the season for the Blue Devils as she ripped a shot from the top of the circle off a corner to give Duke the 1-0 lead. Survilla's shot deflected off a defenders stick but still had enough power to find the back of the cage in the ninth minute of play.

Miller, a preseason All-ACC selection as a defender, scored on a penalty stroke in the 15th minute to put the Blue Devils up 2-0. She also scored from the top of the circle off a corner taken in the 67th minute for the game's final goal. Miller's two goals against Louisville is one short of her season total from a year ago.

Two of the Blue Devils goals were scored with help from senior tri-captain Sarah Schoffstall, who had two assists on the day.

Goalie Samantha Nelson gets her first win of the year and a clean sheet. She recorded five saves in the cage off of six total shots from Louisville. Nelson preserved the shutout late in the game with a diving stop to her right on a Louisville penalty stroke.

Louisville had 10 total corners to Duke's four, but the Cardinals could not capitalize as they struggled to get a clear shot off against the stellar Duke defense.

With the win, Duke advances to face No. 8 Michigan State tomorrow at 2 p.m. with the Champions Challenge title on the line. Louisville will take on the Delaware Blue Hens at 11:00 a.m. in the consolation game. Michigan State posted a 7-2 win over Delaware in Saturday's second game.