Jennings, Jones Named First Team All-South Region

DURHAM, N.C. - Juniors Tara Jennings and Rhian Jones headline a list of five Duke field hockey student-athletes named to the 2010 Longstretch/NFHCA Division I All-South Region Team as announced by the organization Thursday, Nov. 18. Jennings and Jones were both selected to the all-region first team, while seniors Susan Ferger and Samantha Nelson and freshman Emmie Le Marchand were named to the second team.

A 2010 All-ACC selection, Jennings was a key contributor in the Duke midfield this past season as the Macungie, Pa., native totaled two goals and three assists to tie for second on the team with a career-high seven points. The Duke junior is making her first appearance on the first team all-region squad after garnering NFHCA National Academic All-America and All-ACC Academic team honors during her career.

Jones, a native of Havertown, Pa., was instrumental to a Duke defense that allowed opponents an average of 1.36 goals per game in 2010. This season marks Jones' third appearance on the All-South Region team as she is also a two-time All-ACC pick (2008 & 2010) and an NFHCA third team All-America selection (2009).

Despite missing four games due to injury in 2010, Ferger, a senior forward, ranked second on the team with eight points on four goals to earn her second appearance on the all-region squad. For her career, the Columbus, Ohio native has totaled 28 goals, including eight gamewinners, and eight assists.

Freshman Le Marchand provided a spark to the Blue Devil offense this past season, leading the team with eight goals and 19 points. The Worcester, England native's point total is the most by a Duke rookie since Julie Tromp also tallied 19 points as a freshman in 2005.

Another key to the Duke defense, goalkeeper Nelson played every minute in goal for the Blue Devils, making 73 saves on the season. The Rockville, Md., native registered career highs with a 1.39 goals-against average, .723 save percentage and five shut outs on the season.

The Blue Devils finished the season with an 8-11 overall record (0-5 ACC), falling by a narrow, one-goal margin to third-ranked Virginia in the ACC Tournament to close out the year.

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