It’s been said that you can’t go home again.
The Boston University softball team is wondering what is meant by that “again” part.
The Terriers have been left without a home in this season’s early stages due to the ongoing construction and the never-ending snow accumulation at Malvern Field.
One game — last Saturday’s contest against Boston College — has already been postponed, and the Terriers’ upcoming four-game series with the University of Maine, scheduled for March 24-25, may also need to be moved.
The lack of a field has led the Terriers to take up temporary residence elsewhere on campus. Normally, Nickerson Field would be a viable option, but with the Women’s United Soccer Association’s Boston Breakers coming this spring, Nickerson is presently a mound of dirt with a few pieces of heavy machinery scattered throughout.
“We’re stuck in the Armory all the time,” said senior pitcher Robyn King. “It’s bad, because even on days like [yesterday] we can’t go outside.”
The field is unable to drain water well. King says after any sort of accumulation, whether it is rain or snow, standing water is present on the diamond. For this reason, she is puzzled at the lack of any kind of tarp to cover the field when it is not being used.
If the weather holds up, BU may be able to play at Malvern this weekend, a prospect that excites King and her teammates.
“We would love to play Maine in the first home games of the season,” King said. “It has always been a great rivalry with them.”
Rivalry though it may be, BU can clearly capitalize on what has been a down-season for Maine so far. The Black Bears are currently 4-14, and they head into games this week with an eight-game losing streak.
But before the Terriers can face the Black Bears, they need the sun to keep on shining. No matter where the games are played, King said the Terriers will be ready.
“If we don’t play at home, I don’t think it will have a negative effect on the team,” King said. “If the field is still wet, we’ll probably have to move the game someplace, probably Rhode Island.”
When the Terriers finally play outdoors again, it will be a bit of a new feeling for a team that uses the infield of the indoor track as a makeshift practice space.
“The dirt is kind of foreign for us,” King said.
That does not mean the Terriers have gained any kind of affection for the domed life. Au contraire said their senior ace. BU is looking forward to the upcoming away game against Providence College on Wednesday.
“Just getting out of the Armory will be great,” King said.
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