After playing eight straight contests in the state of North Carolina, the Blue Devils are travelling north in search of their first ACC win.
No. 15 Duke (5-5, 0-2 in the ACC) clashes with No. 10 Boston College (7-2, 1-1) tonight at 7 p.m., before squaring off against No. 14 Boston University (8-2) Sunday at noon. Both games will be played in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Duke hopes to build off a weekend in which it played harder than it has before, especially in its loss to North Carolina last Saturday.
"The first half of the Carolina game was one of our best halves," freshman Susan Ferger said. "It gave us a new standard for the rest of the season, and we're trying to keep up the intensity."
For the Blue Devils to translate their effort into wins, though, they must find a way to get on the scoreboard.
Duke has been shut out in three of its five losses and has particularly struggled against top competition, tallying only four scores against five ranked opponents. In their loss to the Tar Heels, the Blue Devils failed to even attempt half as many shots as UNC.
The problem has not gone unnoticed, and Duke has worked in practice to correct its scoring woes.
"Most of our problems have been stepping in front of defenders," said Amie Survilla, who is tied for the most goals on the team. "We've run a lot of offensive plays this week. If we can communicate and step in front of defenders, then we can win."
Duke will need its attack to yield results if it wants to top both of its northeastern opponents this season.
Last year, Boston College came to Williams Field Sept. 30 and defeated the Blue Devils 2-1 in double-overtime. The Eagles were led by All-ACC forward Bob Dirks, who hit the game-winner. Dirks already has five goals this season.
Boston University, meanwhile, is looking to improve on its showing against Duke. Last season, the Blue Devils coasted to a 4-0 victory over the Terriers Sept, 10. Currently, Boston University is on a five-game win streak, including a 3-0 blasting of then-No. 15 Virginia Sept. 23.
Despite its past struggles, Duke simply is looking to move forward.
"This week will be a turning point in the season," Fergen said. "If we win both games at the beginning of the second half of the season, then we can turn over a new and more successful leaf."
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