If the Boston University women’s lacrosse team (6-2, 2-0 America East) was frustrated due to not having a home field to play or practice on, they vented it on Saturday.
No. 8 BU romped all over visiting University of Vermont, 23-1, at Boston College’s Alumni Field and set a team-record for goals in a game in the process.
“I knew that player-to-player we were the better team,” said BU coach Sue Murphy. “I wanted us to walk away feeling all aspects of our game were strong.”
The Catamounts never had a chance.
BU scored four goals in the first 2:43 of the contest en route to a 12-0 lead at the half. The Terriers put two more in the net before Vermont made it onto the scoreboard for the first and final time. BU outshot Vermont, 41-5.
“When you play weaker teams, you can really play down [to their level],” Murphy said. “I was pleased to see how focused my girls were.”
Freshman attacker Polly Purcell, who was named conference Rookie of the Week two weeks ago, continued her season-long tear, leading the way with nine points on four goals and five assists. The performance brought her season total to 14 goals and 13 assists.
Ten Terriers made their way onto the scoreboard. All-American senior attacker Chrissy Lombard tallied five goals, while junior midfielder Kristin Abruzzese, senior midfielder Kyle Rutowski and sophomore attacker Caroline Kelleher each added three goals.
In addition, junior defenseman Gabby Juocys, senior attacker Rachel Lieber, sophomore attacker Tiffany Mullan, senior defenseman Ellen Robinson and senior defenseman Renee Vanderbrug pitched in a goal apiece.
“I was thrilled with the way [Purcell played],” Murphy said. “Ellen Robinson, a true defender, scored a goal. I was pleased to see how we performed. It was really a sight to see. The level of play of the players coming off the bench was terrific, too.”
BU used last week’s practice time to implement a new defensive strategy that forced 17 Vermont turnovers. It was so effective that the Catamounts only had five shots on goal in 40 minutes of play.
“We were very effective with [the new defense],” Murphy said. “We had new things that we implemented. [The practice time we had], we needed.”
BU was simply too overwhelming for Vermont. They converted on more than half of their shot attempts (23-of-41), got major contributions from their starters and got a chance to exhibit their depth.
“[Setting the team record] was another neat thing,” Murphy said. “But, we never had any intention of running up the score. It would be more disheartening to tell my kids to slow it down. I can’t hold back my subs because they have a job to do, too. But, it was in no way out of disrespect for Vermont.”
Murphy stressed the importance of maintaining focus as a team. She added the tougher part of the schedule will be played away from home and those are must-wins if BU wants to be the top seed in the conference championship tournament.
“I think one way to look at our conference is this is a tough year for us,” Murphy said. “I think when you look at our conference, we are only hosting the two [worst teams]. All our games away [from home] we have to win to come back here ready to host the America East playoffs. But, in a way, I feel more comfortable playing away from home, where we know we have a field to play on.”
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