The last time the Boston University women’s field hockey team played Ball State University was Sept. 29, 2002, a game the Terriers won 3-2.
But while every member of that team is long gone, BU coach Sally Starr sees this game as a chance for several things, stopping inconsistencies among them.
“It gives us a chance to focus on things we need to do well and what we weren’t happy with or did inconsistently [last game],” Starr said. “We can work on solidifying our game.”
In their last contest, against Boston College last Friday, the Terriers (3-2) were outshot 13-5 and lost 1-0. Starr cited too much dribbling as one of the deciding factors of the game and said the team worked on passing during practice this week.
“We are focusing on two things,” Starr said. “The first is making sure there is not just one place for the ball to go. We need to get in fat passing lanes, not skinny ones.
“The second thing is pressing. We didn’t press enough last game and it gave the other team the opportunity to get the ball back. We need to win the ball back, make the pass and not play tennis hockey.”
Ball State (0-3) has a total of three goals this season, one each from forward Devanny Kuhn, midfielder Sanne Hermans and forward Charlie Digby. Goalkeeper Haley Fusting leads the team with 16 saves.
BU’s own freshman goalkeeper, Valentina Cerda, was voted the America East Rookie of the Week by the league on Monday for her standout performance against BC Friday night.
Despite holding a better record than the Cardinals, Starr does not see any reason Ball State should be taken lightly.
“We need to go out and compete for 70 minutes on any given day — anything can happen,” Starr said. “It’s just one of the 18 games we play this season. We prepare regardless.”
On Sunday, BU will take on No. 13 Michigan in a contest also set in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Wolverines are 4-2 this season and won most recently 5-0 over Bucknell on Saturday.
“We have a chance to watch them on Saturday live and we will watch videos of them,” Starr said of preparing for the Big Ten team.
“It’s a great opportunity to play well-coached teams. But first we have to focus on Ball State. We have a lot of opportunity this weekend.”
The last time BU played Michigan was Nov. 12, 2005 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Terriers lost 4-3 in overtime after starting off with a 2-0 lead. By the end of the first half, the Terriers led 3-1, but were unable to stop the Wolverines from scoring three goals in the second half to take the game.
The leading scorer this season for the Wolverines is forward Emy Guttman, who has five goals and one assist. Right behind her with three goals each are forwards Rachael Mack and Michelle Roberts.
The Wolverines’ two goalkeepers have a total of 26 saves this season. Redshirt senior Christi Barwick has 14 saves in five games and redshirt sophomore Haley Jones has nine saves in four games.
While the Terriers have to travel halfway across the country for their road trip, Starr sees benefits in the new setting.
“It’s better because we have the athletes 24/7 and we can manage their sleep and nutrition better,” Starr said. “They can also get more sleep in motels because in the dorm setting, there are no curfews and it’s harder to get a good night’s sleep.
“Also, this time of the season, it’s a good opportunity for team bonding.”
Starr noted that the team will be attending a Michigan football game on Saturday together as a break from practice.
Both games are scheduled for 1 p.m.
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