A rough early-season schedule is only getting worse for the Boston University lacrosse team, which faces another challenging test against No. 14 Yale University (4-2) this afternoon on Nickerson Field.
In their last contest before conference play, the No. 15 Terriers (3-2) have a chance to add another impressive victory to a resume that already includes a win over then-No. 10 Vanderbilt University on the road last week.
BU ran into a few roadblocks in the first five games, losing to No. 1 Northwestern University and then-No. 17 George Mason University. While the young team continues to gel, the competitive early schedule is preparing the Terriers for the grind of the regular season.
“I think it’s a really good challenge for them,” said BU coach Liz Robertshaw. “I think we need to be tested early if we have expectations of continuing to be nationally ranked and getting this program where it needs to be. We have to continue to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the country.”
BU has been strong on both sides of the field, but the tough schedule has made it difficult to acquire the consistency the team has enjoyed in recent seasons. A win over another nationally-ranked opponent would go a long way toward instilling that confidence as conference play approaches.
Defense has been the key to BU’s victories thus far, as the Terriers have allowed an average of six goals in their three wins, compared to 12.5 per game in their losses. Sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Klein (.456 save percentage, 11.2 goals-against average), in her first full season as the starting netminder, continues to adapt to the game in front of her.
She’s not the only one.
A strong defensive core in front of Klein is doing a fine job limiting opponents’ chances, but Robertshaw said there is room for improvement.
“We’ve done a good job of trying to tighten up our defense,” Robertshaw said. “We’re going to come up against a good team in Yale that can put some points on the board. We want to play good, aggressive BU defense but we’re trying to limit the shot opportunities. I feel that we’ve let up a lot of shots in the last couple games, and we want to slow that down a little bit.”
Senior midfielders Kat Peetz and Lauren Taylor have combined for 24 goals this season to lead the Bulldog attack.
“Yale has a handful of players that are very strong attack-wise,” Robertshaw said. “Lauren Taylor can score goals at will. She’s someone that we’re going to have to keep our eye on.”
The Terriers will need to counter an experienced Bulldog offense, but thus far they have been up to the task. Yale’s attack boasts a handful of juniors and seniors whose experience could pose a problem for BU.
“Our younger defense has to step up to that challenge and really stand their ground,” Robertshaw said.
The Terriers still have plenty of room to grow, but the team is progressing well, averaging nearly 14 goals per game. Today’s matchup against a Yale squad allowing fewer than eight goals per contest will test BU offensively.
“I would still like to see more from some of our younger players, getting in there and taking more chances at cage,” Robertshaw said. “If we can have every single person in that attacking zone and we can get them all to be scoring threats, it’s going to be an even better attack.”