Top of the heap: Field hockey takes first place

Another come-from-behind win and an impressive shutout by the Boston University field hockey team led to a weekend sweep of Fairfield University, 3-2, and No. 19 Providence College, 2-0, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The victories propelled the squad to the top of America East, breathing new life into its season.
Junior forward Nikki Lloyd, last week’s America East Player of the Week, and sophomore goalkeeper Kim Kastuk, who allowed two goals on 13 shots this weekend, were the driving forces for the Terriers (7-7, 2-0 AE). With three tallies in two games, Lloyd now leads the team in both goals (6) and points (12). Kastuk registered her fourth shutout of the year Sunday.
Saturday at Jack Barry Field against the Stags (4-10, 1-1 AE), the Terriers found themselves in an early hole after the visitors tallied two goals in the contest’s first seven minutes. From then on, the Terriers dominated as the offense pressured Fairfield, outshooting the Stags, 8-2.
The second half belonged to the home team, as Lloyd redirected a pass from graduate student Sheena Berry into the lower right corner less than 10 minutes into the half.
Junior midfielder Gabby Hajjar notched the equalizer four minutes later, evading the Fairfield defense for a straight shot into the middle of the cage for her second goal of the year.
In dramatic fashion, the Terriers earned a penalty corner with six seconds remaining before the end of regulation. Hajjar inserted the ball to junior Haley Robinson, who unloaded the game-winning shot to cap a remarkable rally. The Terriers ended the contest with a 22-6 advantage in shots.
The Terriers then traveled to Providence Sunday to face the Friars (9-6, 2-2 Big East). Time after time, the visitors created scoring chances while doubling up the Friars in shots, 14-7, allowing just one in the second half.
Lloyd opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after gathering a loose ball off a Providence defender following a right-side pass. Alone with the ball, Lloyd waited, then put it high into the left side of the net.
The Terriers’ dominance continued into the second half, intercepting passes and winning midfield balls to produce more offensive opportunities.
Off a flurry in the middle of the circle, Lloyd added an insurance goal in the 64th minute, her second of the day. Pulling Providence goalkeeper Rachel Chamblerlain out of the cage, Lloyd picked up the rebound off a shot from freshman Giovanna Monaco and separated herself from the rush before knocking the ball home.