The Boston University women’s lacrosse team fell just short Saturday afternoon against the United States Naval Academy, losing 15-14 at Nickerson Field.
The early stages of the first half were dictated by a series of runs. Navy (10-4, 5-1 Patriot League) netted three straight goals in a two-minute stretch just moments after the opening faceoff, but BU (5-7, 3-3 Patriot League) responded with a 3-0 run of its own, tying the game at 3-3 with close to 20 minutes remaining in the half.
The game remained close for the rest of the half, as the teams traded goals. Scorers for the Terriers included sophomore midfielder Kaitlin Belval and junior attacker Avery Donahoe.
“I liked the fact that we had a lot of scoring looks,” said BU head coach Liz Robertshaw. “I just think that in games like this, there are some players who could step up a little better.”
The Terriers certainly needed players to step up, as Navy’s relentless offense kept the score close, even as BU jumped ahead time and time again.
Navy tied the game at 8-8 in the final second of the first half, thanks to a free position goal by attacker Morgan Young. It was a frustrating moment for BU, as they had just taken the lead less than 30 seconds earlier behind junior attacker Mickenzie Larivee’s third goal of the game.
While the score was even at the end of the half, BU lost the draw control battle 12-5 and was outshot 20-16.
Coming out with energy in the second half, the Terriers quickly took a 9-8 lead in the first minutes thanks to a goal by senior attacker Taylor Hardison and sophomore midfielder Kelly Mathews tacked on a 10th goal two minutes later.
The two teams began to trade goals once again, with Navy scoring three straight to go up 12-11, and sophomore defender Tonianne Magnelli snapping Navy’s streak to tie the game just after the 18-minute mark.
As the second half progressed, neither team established a firm lead, setting up for an exciting end.
Senior attacker Elisabeth Jayne netted her 25th goal of the season at the 14:22 mark to give BU the lead once again, but Navy battled back, as junior Jenna Collins scored her fifth goal of the game. It was a remarkable game for both Jenna and Julia Collins, as the sisters combined for seven goals.
Robertshaw felt that the Terriers could have presented a stronger defensive effort against the Collins sisters, as well as Navy’s other top players.
“We weren’t necessarily playing to the officials that well,” said Robertshaw. “We got hammered with a bunch of calls, and again, that’s something we’ve talked about. Our defense needs to change their game based on the referees.”
BU broke the tie once again with a goal from Donahoe at the 3:09 mark, her second of the game, which brought the score to 14-13. However, Navy battled right back as they had the entire game, with sophomore Meg O’Donnell scoring two straight goals in a one-minute stretch to give her team a permanent lead.
Robertshaw was pleased with the team for staying with Navy throughout the entire game.
“I told the team I thought it was a really great battle back and forth,” Robertshaw said. “I thought they fought hard, but defensively, allowing some of their top players to do what they wanted to do really hurt us.”
Navy proceeded to win the next faceoff, and run out the remainder of the clock, sealing a 15-14 victory. The loss drops the Terriers to 3-3 in league play, putting their playoff hopes in danger.
“We need a win to get in,” said Robertshaw. “I think right now we’re battling to get in, that’s our focus. I don’t think we need to win all three [remaining Patriot League games], but I don’t want to put it up to chance. I’d like to have our future in our own hands.”
