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Civitella, van Oirschot Return for Final Season
7/30/2024 2:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
DURHAM, N.C.—Duke field hockey graduate students Barb Civitella and Charlie van Oirschot will be back on the "True Blue" turf for one more season as Blue Devils. The duo elected to use their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to COVID-19.
Civitella and van Oirschot are enrolled in the Master of Management Studies program at Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Outstanding leaders on and off the field, Civitella and van Oirschot will be instrumental pieces to the Blue Devils' success in 2024. Together they have played in 146 collegiate field hockey games, 107 of those coming as Blue Devils, and have scored 14 goals and dished nine assists.
"Barb is the heart of the team," said head coach Pam Bustin. "Her love for the game, for this team, and for this University is unmatched. No one shows up with a more consistent approach to practice, workouts or gameday. Her energy and the work she has done has driven her game to a championship level. True commitment must be respected, and Barb's commitment to her teammates commands that respect. She loves this team and every member on this team."
Playing in 68 career games with 17 starts, Civitella has been a spark off the bench for the Blue Devils throughout her career. She is coming off a strong senior season in which she rebounded to score two goals after suffering an injury early in the season. A high-energy forward who can create opportunities on the wing, Civitella has four goals and two assists in her 68 career appearances.
"Charlie is a Blue Devil," Bustin said. "Her obvious desire to represent Duke, to play the game about which she is passionate, and to compete each day with her innate intensity have made this program better. She is a dangerous attacker and a tough defender. Her incredible athleticism is driven and strengthened by her will to win. I am so grateful Charlie took the chance to join Duke True and I enjoy every day we get to work together."
A three-time NFHCA All-Region pick, including consecutive All-South Region second-team honors in her two seasons as a Blue Devil, van Oirschot has left her mark at Duke. The Haarlem, Netherlands native did not miss a beat upon arriving in Durham after her first two seasons at Louisville, scoring five goals and three assists for 13 points in 2022. This past season, the captain anchored the midfield and registered five goals and four assists en route to leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Championship semifinals. In two seasons as a Blue Devil, van Oirschot has played in 39 games and started 37 of those. She has 10 goals and seven assists to her name for 27 career points. Overall, the standout midfielder has 15 goals and 13 assists for 43 career points.
The Blue Devils are excited to hit the turf in a few weeks when the team begins its preseason training Aug. 12. Duke hosts a pair of exhibition matches against James Madison (Aug. 18) and North Carolina (Aug. 24). The Blue Devils officially kick off the 2024 campaign August 30 against William & Mary at 2 p.m., on Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Civitella and van Oirschot are enrolled in the Master of Management Studies program at Duke's Fuqua School of Business.
Outstanding leaders on and off the field, Civitella and van Oirschot will be instrumental pieces to the Blue Devils' success in 2024. Together they have played in 146 collegiate field hockey games, 107 of those coming as Blue Devils, and have scored 14 goals and dished nine assists.
"Barb is the heart of the team," said head coach Pam Bustin. "Her love for the game, for this team, and for this University is unmatched. No one shows up with a more consistent approach to practice, workouts or gameday. Her energy and the work she has done has driven her game to a championship level. True commitment must be respected, and Barb's commitment to her teammates commands that respect. She loves this team and every member on this team."
Playing in 68 career games with 17 starts, Civitella has been a spark off the bench for the Blue Devils throughout her career. She is coming off a strong senior season in which she rebounded to score two goals after suffering an injury early in the season. A high-energy forward who can create opportunities on the wing, Civitella has four goals and two assists in her 68 career appearances.
"Charlie is a Blue Devil," Bustin said. "Her obvious desire to represent Duke, to play the game about which she is passionate, and to compete each day with her innate intensity have made this program better. She is a dangerous attacker and a tough defender. Her incredible athleticism is driven and strengthened by her will to win. I am so grateful Charlie took the chance to join Duke True and I enjoy every day we get to work together."
A three-time NFHCA All-Region pick, including consecutive All-South Region second-team honors in her two seasons as a Blue Devil, van Oirschot has left her mark at Duke. The Haarlem, Netherlands native did not miss a beat upon arriving in Durham after her first two seasons at Louisville, scoring five goals and three assists for 13 points in 2022. This past season, the captain anchored the midfield and registered five goals and four assists en route to leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Championship semifinals. In two seasons as a Blue Devil, van Oirschot has played in 39 games and started 37 of those. She has 10 goals and seven assists to her name for 27 career points. Overall, the standout midfielder has 15 goals and 13 assists for 43 career points.
The Blue Devils are excited to hit the turf in a few weeks when the team begins its preseason training Aug. 12. Duke hosts a pair of exhibition matches against James Madison (Aug. 18) and North Carolina (Aug. 24). The Blue Devils officially kick off the 2024 campaign August 30 against William & Mary at 2 p.m., on Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
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