Fresh of a weekend in which it lost to No. 1 Wake Forest but bounced back to beat Boston University, Duke has another chance to take down a top-three opponent this weekend.
The fifth-ranked Blue Devils (5-1) play unranked Appalachian State (0-5) Saturday at 1 p.m. before tangling with No. 3 Old Dominion (5-1) Sunday at 1 p.m.
"This game is a very important regional game. Old Dominion is a great barometer for the season. They are superbly coached, and they are a tough, competitive squad," head coach Beth Bozman said. "To win, we have to play with more passion and urgency then we did against Wake Forest."
In order to beat Old Dominion, the Blue Devils must avoid the mistakes they made against Wake Forest and communicate better on the field, Bozman said.
The loss to Wake Forest has not been forgotten, but the team rebounded well against BU one day later and feels optimistic about its chances this weekend.
"The win against BU really enhanced our confidence," junior goalkeeper Caitlin Williams said. "We came back very strong after the Wake Forest loss and are really preparing hard for this weekend."
Duke will have its hands full with an excellent defensive team, as the Monarchs have recorded two shutouts in their last two wins-both against teams that were ranked at the time. Old Dominion's only loss this season was to top-ranked Maryland, 1-0, Sept. 4 in College Park, Md.
The two teams split their season series in 2005 with the Blue Devils falling to ODU, 5-2, at home Sept. 18 and then upsetting the Monarchs on the road, 3-2, Oct. 16-and breaking ODU's then 8-game win streak.
Before Duke gets its chance for revenge, however, it plays Appalachian State. Although the game Sunday has bigger implications, the Blue Devils are staying focused on both opponents.
"We are going to play the same way against both teams," Bozman said. "Appalachian State offers a great opportunity to prepare to play well on Sunday."
Bozman's sentiments were echoed by sophomore Marian Dickinson, who has scored four goals this season.
"By preparing for Old Dominion, we are going to be prepared for Appalachian State," she said.
Duke's weekend set comes in the midst of six straight games at home. Bozman said the Blue Devils struggled at home last year, but this year has been a different story. In their three games at home this season, Duke has outscored its opponents 11-2.
"We'd love to have a home crowd," Bozman said. "With two top teams, it will be a fun game to watch."
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