Duke's field hockey team kicks off NCAA Championship play on Friday against Iowa at 2:30 p.m. in Chapel Hill, NC. This marks Duke's 21st NCAA appearance, coming off a 5-2 loss to North Carolina in the ACC Championship. With a season record of 12-7, the Blue Devils look to advance past Iowa and continue their pursuit of an NCAA semifinal berth. Senior Alaina McVeigh leads the team with 37 points, contributing significantly to Duke's offensive efforts.

By the Numbers
  • 37 - Points this season for Alaina McVeigh, tied for 25th in Duke single-season history.
  • 1.14 - Goals per game allowed by Duke this season, showcasing a strong defensive unit.
  • 102 - Career points for McVeigh, ranking her 10th in program history.
  • 349 - Career wins for head coach Pam Bustin, just one win shy of a major coaching milestone.
State of Play
  • Duke is 6-3 all-time against Iowa, with closely contested matchups typically decided by one goal.
  • The Blue Devils boast seven shutouts this season, ranking second in the ACC.
What's Next

A victory against Iowa will push Duke into the NCAA quarterfinals, where they would face either North Carolina or Saint Joseph's on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Bottom Line

Duke's strong offensive and defensive capabilities position them favorably entering the NCAA Championship, making a deep run a real possibility if they maintain their momentum against Iowa.