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Three Blue Devils Return as Graduate Students for 2021
7/21/2021 1:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
DURHAM – Duke field hockey head coach Pam Bustin announced the return of three Blue Devils for the 2021 season as Lexi Davidson, Eva Nunnink and Lily Posternak all will use their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA for the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the 2020 season.
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"I'm so proud and excited to welcome Eva, Lexi and Lily back to Duke field hockey action this fall," said Bustin. "After proudly graduating from their respective Duke programs, each returns with a wealth of knowledge, experience and confidence that will aid in the growth and success of our program."
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The trio was a mainstay in Duke's lineup during the 2020-21 campaign, starting all 16 contests. Davidson and Posternak, who finished undergrad in May, enrolled in the Master of Management Studies program through the Duke Fuqua School of Business. Nunnink returns as a second-year graduate student as she works towards a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. All three were named to the All-ACC Academic Team last season.
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"As Darcy prepares for the Junior World Cup and Leah, Josie and Piper compete for a spot at the Junior Pan American Games, we're grateful to have three returning grads to assist the rest of the squad maintain a mature and steady level of performance in their absences. Eva, Lexi and Lily's commitment to our program and their continued education is impressive and highly regarded. We cannot wait to bring this diverse and highly talented group together in just a few short weeks! Go Duke!"
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A four-year defender for the Blue Devils, Davidson started 59 of 64 games throughout her career. The North Andover, Mass., native has recorded 16 points from four goals and eight assists. Davidson tallied half her points during her senior campaign, perfectly executing two penalty strokes for two goals while assisting on four. A Preseason All-ACC selection last season, she's a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member and a two-time NFHCA National Academic Team honoree.
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During her tenure at Duke, Posternak was key midfielder for the Blue Devils, starting 53 contests in 80 appearances. The York, Maine, native holds 23 career points from six goals and 11 assists. Posternak is a four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member and a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad selection.
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Nunnink made an immediate impact in her first season at Duke, earning NFHCA All-Region an All-ACC honors. The defender from Eindhoven, Netherlands registered eight points on three goals and two assists. Her 43 shots were second on the team and fifth best in the ACC. A threat on both ends of the turf, Nunnink also recorded a defensive save for the Blue Devils. Nunnink also excelled in the classroom, being named to the All-ACC Academic Team, ACC Honor Roll and the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
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Bustin's 27-player roster is set to open its season at home against Rutgers on Friday, Aug. 27. The game is slated for a 6 p.m., start at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.
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#GoDuke
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"I'm so proud and excited to welcome Eva, Lexi and Lily back to Duke field hockey action this fall," said Bustin. "After proudly graduating from their respective Duke programs, each returns with a wealth of knowledge, experience and confidence that will aid in the growth and success of our program."
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The trio was a mainstay in Duke's lineup during the 2020-21 campaign, starting all 16 contests. Davidson and Posternak, who finished undergrad in May, enrolled in the Master of Management Studies program through the Duke Fuqua School of Business. Nunnink returns as a second-year graduate student as she works towards a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. All three were named to the All-ACC Academic Team last season.
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"As Darcy prepares for the Junior World Cup and Leah, Josie and Piper compete for a spot at the Junior Pan American Games, we're grateful to have three returning grads to assist the rest of the squad maintain a mature and steady level of performance in their absences. Eva, Lexi and Lily's commitment to our program and their continued education is impressive and highly regarded. We cannot wait to bring this diverse and highly talented group together in just a few short weeks! Go Duke!"
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A four-year defender for the Blue Devils, Davidson started 59 of 64 games throughout her career. The North Andover, Mass., native has recorded 16 points from four goals and eight assists. Davidson tallied half her points during her senior campaign, perfectly executing two penalty strokes for two goals while assisting on four. A Preseason All-ACC selection last season, she's a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member and a two-time NFHCA National Academic Team honoree.
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During her tenure at Duke, Posternak was key midfielder for the Blue Devils, starting 53 contests in 80 appearances. The York, Maine, native holds 23 career points from six goals and 11 assists. Posternak is a four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member and a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad selection.
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Nunnink made an immediate impact in her first season at Duke, earning NFHCA All-Region an All-ACC honors. The defender from Eindhoven, Netherlands registered eight points on three goals and two assists. Her 43 shots were second on the team and fifth best in the ACC. A threat on both ends of the turf, Nunnink also recorded a defensive save for the Blue Devils. Nunnink also excelled in the classroom, being named to the All-ACC Academic Team, ACC Honor Roll and the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
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Bustin's 27-player roster is set to open its season at home against Rutgers on Friday, Aug. 27. The game is slated for a 6 p.m., start at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.
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#GoDuke
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