Duke Downs Wake Forest 6-1 in Saturday Scrimmage

Saturday, August 20

Durham, N.C.

1:00 PM

Duke University

Wake Forest (Scrimmage)

Blue Devils Represent US, Canadian U19 Squads

Duke Downs Wake Forest 6-1 in Saturday Scrimmage

8/20/2011 3:57:00 PM | Field Hockey

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. – With less than a week remaining before the Duke field hockey team opens the 2011 campaign, the squad downed Wake Forest, 6-1, Saturday afternoon in a preseason scrimmage at Williams Field.

The Blue Devils tallied three goals in each half of play and outshot the Demon Deacons 19-8 on the afternoon. Sophomore Caashia Karringten led the way with three goals, while senior Megan Deakins, junior Devon Gagliardi and sophomore McKay Ross chipped in with one goal apiece. In addition, Duke posted seven assists, including two helpers from freshman Jessica Buttinger.

“The kids approached today as a practice opportunity and they competed the full 70 minutes,” said head coach Pam Bustin. “I'm really pleased with the way we attacked from the back all the way to the forward line. The biggest improvement from the spring to the fall is that we are looking to make passes. If we can find the open pass and move the ball at pace, we're going to get open shots. That's an area [the players] knew they needed to improve, they wanted to change and it's been part of our training. Today, they executed it.”

Duke wasted no time taking the early lead to start the game, scoring the first goal of the afternoon after just over eight minutes of play. Karringten registered the first score, tipping in a cross from classmate Emmie Le Marchand to give the Blue Devils the 1-0 advantage.

The Blue Devils continued to pressure the Wake Forest defense, and the effort paid off as junior Molly Johnson found an open Ross eight yards out for Duke's second goal. Right before halftime, Buttinger beat her defender down the right side and slipped a pass to an open Gagliardi as the Blue Devils took a 3-0 lead into the intermission.

“It was a team effort, 100 percent,” added senior Tara Jennings. “The passing was connecting from the defense to the midfield to the forwards. It was all one single team effort rather than a lot of dribbling and a lot of individual effort. We really worked together today.”

A penalty corner opportunity early in the second half resulted in Wake Forest's lone goal of the afternoon, but Duke never let up. Deakins found the back of the net halfway through the second frame off a penalty corner, assisted by freshman Abby Beltrani and senior Rhian Jones. Karringten netted the final two goals for Duke, bringing the final margin to 6-1.

“The forwards were there in the right positions and the passes were there,” said Karringten. “It was just an easy shot. [Today's game] definitely builds confidence. We have to keep in mind to stay composed and focused on the next game to keep the rhythm going.”

Duke will have three more days of practice in Durham before traveling to Columbus, Ohio for the season-opening contest at Ohio State. The Blue Devils and the Buckeyes are set for a 1 p.m. start Friday, Aug. 26.

“We had awesome practices leading up to this game and preparation for what we need to do today,” concluded Jennings. “I think if we keep that train rolling and put out the same effort we did today, then we should be good to go.”

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