Field Hockey Sets Sights on Patriot League Title, NCAA Tournament
Terriers to host crosstown rival Boston College tonight
Fresh off an impressive road trip, the BU field hockey team will hit the turf at New Balance Field tonight for what’s sure to be an epic matchup with the Boston College Eagles, who are number 10 in the NCAA Field Hockey RPI. The number 19 Terriers (3-1, 0-0 Patriot League) are off to a hot start this season. They are looking to build upon the successes of last season, which brought them their first Patriot League title before they fell by one goal to Syracuse (the national runner-up) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“It let the girls know how close they are to really being a Final Four type of team,” says Sally Starr, who is entering her 35th season as head coach this year.
That possibility is not lost on this year’s team, as all but one of last year’s starters are back for another season. Cammy Jensen (CAS’17) has stepped up to fill the void in goal after 2014 Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Valentina Cerda Eimbcke (Questrom’15) graduated in May.
“It’s a confidence-booster,” says cocaptain forward Sofi Laurito (COM’16). “It’s not a whole new team—it’s like the same team growing even more. We have six amazing freshmen. Everyone is way more confident, and we really believe that we can go far.”
That confidence and depth is evident on the field—the Terriers have already delivered three impressive wins in the young season. Patriot League experts are taking note: they named Laurito Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, cocaptain defender Rachel Coll (Questrom’16) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and midfielder Hester van der Laan (ENG’17) Offensive Player of the Week for her impressive play in the squad’s first two games.
The Terriers started the season in fine form, taking down New Hampshire, 4-3, in a thrilling home contest as part of the Tri-Conference Cup on August 28. Later that weekend, however, UMass Amherst, then number 18, got the better of the Terriers, with the Minutewomen sneaking out of New Balance Field with a slim 2-1 victory.
That lone loss wasn’t enough to get the Terriers down. The team next trounced Hofstra, 6-3, in a neutral-site contest in Orono, Maine. Two days after that win, the Terriers were back at Orono to take down the hometown Maine Black Bears, 2-1, in overtime.
Terrier performance so far this year is a good indication of what to expect over the course of the season. While there is still work to be done, the Terriers have already demonstrated some of what makes them great.
“It was probably about 90, 95 degrees on the turf in Orono,” says Starr. “It was a really fast-paced game and kids were really getting tanked out on the field. We were able to get some fresh bodies on the field without dropping down in our ability at all. Our depth—and it’s across the board—is definitely a strength for us this year.”
Being able to draw on that depth and on the experience of so many seasoned players should serve the Terriers well tonight when they host the Eagles (3-1, 0-0 ACC) under the lights at New Balance Field.
“BC had a great win this weekend beating Maryland, which is the first time they’ve ever done that,” notes Starr. “We had an outstanding scrimmage against them about two weeks ago that ended in a tie. I’m really expecting an outstanding hockey game. It’s a Friday night game, it’s a home game, and an opportunity for us to play a really good team. After the success BC had this past weekend, their ranking is going to be even higher, so we’re looking forward to it.”
After taking on the Eagles, the Terriers will be back in action Sunday for a nonconference home matchup with Providence (0-4, 0-0 Big East). Conference play begins next Saturday at home against Lafayette (3-1, 0-0 Patriot League).
The weeks ahead will see the Terriers take on a series of tough competitors, including number 12 Wake Forest, number 4 Duke, number 3 Syracuse, and number 1 Connecticut, but the players say they are undaunted.
“A Patriot League championship is first on our list,” says Coll. “Also an NCAA bid. We’re really looking to get to at least the Elite Eight this year.”
The BU field hockey team takes on Boston College tonight, Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m. at New Balance Field, 286 Babcock St. The team will host Providence at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, also at New Balance Field. All games are free and open to the public.
Zach Waller can be reached at zjw5@bu.edu.
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