For the No. 11 Boston University lacrosse team, playing late into May will be a product of how well the Terriers communicate on both ends of the field.
Saturday’s 15-8 win over the University of Vermont at Nickerson Field, highlighted by an onslaught of offensive production throughout the first half, provided a model for the Terriers’ six remaining games.
BU’s struggles this season have stemmed from inefficiency in both draw controls and ground balls. The Terriers’ inability to capitalize on both facets has led to transition trouble in the midfield, paralyzing both their fastbreak attack and ability to control the ball.
Yet every bit of trouble the Terriers have experienced at midfield disappeared Saturday, as BU statistically dominated the Catamounts across the board.
“We haven’t been good with the hustle stats,” said BU coach Liz Robertshaw. “But Saturday, especially in the first half, we outright won them. We controlled the ball and set the pace.”
Leading BU’s draw control push was senior co-captain Lauren Morton. Responsible for all faceoffs, Morton won over 75 percent of Saturday’s draws, allowing junior midfielder Sarah Dalton to pick up seven controls outside of the center circle.
Gaining possession in the midfield and establishing their freelance offense gave the Terriers the unfamiliar opportunity to stress communication in Vermont’s defensive end.
“From the ground balls and draws we got the chance to settle down and follow our gameplan,” Robertshaw said. “It gave the girls the chance to talk to one another and get comfortable. But on top of that, it gave them the chance to get creative, and that’s something they haven’t done yet.”
The Terriers’ creativity inside the 8-meter mark was epitomized by a quick-strike goal off the stick of sophomore attacker Erica Baumgartner midway through the first half.
Cycling from behind the net, senior co-captain Molly Collins found a streaking Baumgartner just outside the crease.
“It was by far the best creativity and attacking we have had all year,” Robertshaw said. “We had good hard cuts and the girls took risks. Erica and Molly’s goal was textbook in that it they both worked together and knew where each other were and was going to be.”
As well as the Terriers’ offense communicated in Vermont’s half of the field, the defense followed suit, allowing just nine UVM shots in the first half.
Anchored by Collins and junior defender Kelly Munroe, BU’s defense held Catamount attacker Kristen Millar to two goals on three shots.
“The girls did a great job of talking to each other and knowing where they all needed to be,” Robertshaw said. “They helped out on the draw controls and helped in the midfield. They struggled a little bit in the second half, but overall they were on the same page.”
While Robertshaw has been the main catalyst for improved communication on the sideline, Morton has taken the on-field responsibility of relaying Robertshaw’s emphasis.
A key figure in BU’s system over the last four years, Morton understands how important each individual piece is to the overall scheme, allowing her to coordinate both offensive and defensive sets.
“[Morton] was absolutely dominant [Saturday],” Robertshaw said. “Not only did she get the offense moving, she scored five goals and was huge as far as doubling up on their attack at the other end. Between getting the girls in order and forcing turnovers, she was so important to us on both ends.”
