BU-BC rivalry taking B-Line westbound Wednesday

The battle of Commonwealth Avenue will enter another game in its record books after Wednesday’s contest between the Boston University lacrosse team and No. 14 Boston College at Newton Campus Field in what promises to be a high scoring affair.

BC (8-5, 1-4) has a very potent offense which should apply some heavy pressure on the BU (6-5, 2-1) defense. The Eagles average 12.15 goals per game, scoring double-digit goals in all games except for their 20-9 loss to No. 1 Maryland. The Eagles have lost four of their last five games, which were all against highly-ranked teams – three of which are in the top five in the nation.

Just last week, the Eagles registered their biggest victory of the season, upsetting then-No. 7 University of Virginia at home. The win marked BC’s first victory over Virginia since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2005.

One of the key cogs to the Eagles’ attack is midfielder Kristen Igoe, who leads BC with 33 goals and 44 points and will surely attract a lot of attention from the BU defenders.

“I actually coached Kristen Igoe on the U.S. team – she is a fast and dynamic player, and we are going to have to make sure we slow her down in the midfield,” said BU coach Liz Robertshaw. “We are also going to need to do a good job of doubling her when she gets the ball and work on not giving her more than one look at the cage.”

Coming off of a triple-overtime 13-12 loss to the University of New Hampshire, BU had a week to improve and prepare for the Eagles. Despite starting strong in the UNH game, the Terriers did not match the Wildcats’ intensity, and ultimately did not capitalize on multiple chances to clinch the win.

“I think we realized that every possession, every draw control, every shot, every moment in that game matters, because it is the difference between winning and losing,” Robertshaw said. “We have some seriously big games coming up, and that game showed us that we need to bring our A game.”

The offense for the Terriers was very well-balanced throughout the game, as four players scored two goals, but only one scored a hat-trick. While Robertshaw likes the balance of the scoring, she is looking for her attacks, such as sophomore attack Danielle Etrasco and junior attack Hannah Frey, to step up and take control of the scoring for the Terriers.

“We are going to need Danielle Etrasco to have a big day and we are going to need Hannah to step up,” Robertshaw said. “But I know BC has some good defenders that will try to lock them up, so we need everyone to step up and be a factor tomorrow.”

Freshman goalkeeper Christina Sheridan has earned another start in goal for the Terriers. She has taken control of the goalkeeper position that seemed to be up-for-grabs earlier in the year, and proved to be a solid keeper. Solid play from Sheridan in goal will be critical to the success of a BU team that is still adjusting to the loss of three-year starting goalkeeper Rachel Klein to graduation.

This is the fourth ranked opponent BU has faced this season. So far, the Terriers are 1-2 in those games, with their only victory coming against then-No. 6 Dartmouth.

“I think we are doing a better job of playing those higher ranked teams because we have been going in with
a little chip on our shoulder, which has been good,” Robertshaw said. “Knowing it is a BC team, we are going to have to rise to the challenge, so I don’t think a lot has to be said to our girls going into this game.”

No matter the rankings or different conferences between the two teams, this game comes down to an utterly-passionate rivalry. Bragging rights are on the line, and BU is looking to bring them home.

“It has been a renewed rivalry over the last couple years, and it’s something that if you go to BU, you are ingrained to hate BC and vice versa,” Robertshaw said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s hockey, or basketball, or women’s lacrosse, you want to go and you want to win. There is nothing like beating Boston College.”