It doesn't get much better than this. It's Boston University vs. Boston College: a battle between two of the best field hockey programs in the nation, a confrontation between two undefeated clubs that have both dominated their foes thus far into the season and a match that will knock one of the Commonwealth Avenue rivals off the pedestal of perfection. Does it sound overly dramatic? Have a closer look at the buildup to this game.
When No. 15 BU (4-0) takes on No. 7 Boston College (5-0) in Newton Friday night, it will only be playing its fifth game of the season, but a win would give them sole possession of the best start in Terrier field hockey history along with bragging rights as the dominant team to reside on Comm. Ave. for the year. It would also end what has been a strong run for the Eagles, who have won their first five games on the road and will be returning to Newton for their first home game against the Terriers. On top of all of that, a win would help wash away last year's nail biting overtime 4-3 loss to the Eagles that propelled BC to 5-0 on the season. To call this a big game would be an understatement.
"We have a real exciting game against Boston College on Friday night," said BU coach Sally Starr. "You've got two top-20 teams playing against each other. Two Boston teams. Two teams that are undefeated. To me, that's a formula for a great hockey game on Friday night. I'm really looking forward to that. For us to sustain our success, we really have to just continue to work hard."
The Eagles are not to be underestimated. Although the Terriers have thoroughly dominated their first four games, their opponents hold a combined record of 7-11. The Eagles find themselves in the same boat, having controlled all of their games but against opponents with a combined record of 4-13. It is early in the season, but it seems as though this will be the first difficult test for both teams in the early going.
Despite the fact that both teams have played teams with a combined losing record, there are some statistics that cannot be ignored, though they may seem a bit inflated. Indeed, the fact that the Terriers and the Eagles have given up a combined three goals on the season is astounding. The matchup promises to be a faceoff between three strong goalies in BC graduate student Kristine Stigas and the Terrier tandem of senior Amanda Smith and sophomore Julie Collins. Each goalie has allowed one goal on the year, and will look to keep their team in the game on Friday with the help of two stellar defenses.
"Their goalkeeping is very solid," Starr said. "What we need to do is just play good transitional hockey and take advantage of our opportunities. I think that's the biggest thing, is playing a really good transitional game. We have excellent speed on our offense so I think we have the ability to challenge them. We have some very skilled strikers and midfielders, so I think we definitely have the ability to get some goals on them. But we definitely need to play as a team, play as a unit and play very good transitional hockey."
America East Player of the Week Allie Dolce and junior forward Andrea Greene, who leads the team in points with 10, are two explosive players to watch throughout the game in BU's attacking end over the course of the weekend.
Starr also upheld the importance of a strong transitional game on the other side of the ball as well.
"You don't want to be reactively playing," Starr said. "You want to be anticipating well. I think it comes down to transitioning well with numbers back defensively and not giving them numbers up opportunities at the goal."
Despite the potential for a game clouded by hype, Starr stressed the importance of maintaining a clear perspective.
"I think we try not to get into that stuff too much," she said. "We just try to focus on the fact that it's a hockey game against a very formidable opponent, and it's an opportunity for us to get out there and play a hockey game. I think if you get too wrapped up in the rankings or what a game means or doesn't mean, you can sometimes stumble a little. So what we really try to do is respect all our opponents and prepare as best we can and play our best game on that given day."
Not to be lost in the anticipation for the game on Friday night is the potential for another entertaining matchup on Sunday against Northeastern University. The Huskies (1-3) defeated the Terriers last year 4-3 and are riding the momentum of their first win of the season.
"I think they are a very, very well-coached team," Starr said. "I feel that they're an improved team from last year and they beat us last year and I think that it's going to be another excellent hockey game. We have two really good opponents this weekend. Our focus is to take one game at a time. BC first, and then get ourselves ready on Saturday for Northeastern on Sunday."
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