Things are starting to look up for the Boston University field hockey team. The Terriers (8-5, 1-0 America East) have won their last five games, including two in a row against opponents ranked in the Top 20. More importantly, the team is at full strength for the first time all year.
The Terriers season got off to a rocky start, and after loss against the No. 2 University of Michigan the Terriers had a 3-5 overall record and little hope of challenging for the America East championship. But the team’s recent streak has seen it record climb to 8-5, and with a commanding 4-1 victory of conference foe and No. 19 University of Maine on Saturday, the Terriers are well on their way to yet another successful season.
One reason for BU’s recent success is the decision Coach Sally Starr made to move junior Celeste Hubbard from midfield to forward. Hubbard has responded very well, leading the team in both goals and points. This transition was made easier by the return of junior midfielder Erin Burke-Webster and junior back Whitney Peabody. Burke-Webster made her first start of the season against Maine, and had an immediate impact, scoring the team’s first goal of the game. As for Peabody, Coach Starr described her one goal, one assist performance on Saturday as “awesome.”
“We’ve made some positional changes, moving Celeste Hubbard to center forward has been huge for us to be able to really generate a lot of offense,” Starr said after Saturday’s game against Maine. “Erin Burke-Webster, who has been injured, this is her first start, her play was outstanding.”
The return of Burke-Webster and Peabody, who tallied a goal and two assists in two games this past weekend, provide the Terriers with added depth and has the team playing up to Coach Starr’s expectations. During the recent five-game win streak, BU has not only had a more potent offensive attack, but has played a stifling defense that has allowed the opposition just one goal in the last four games.
“It’s the type of thing just by making those two change everybody on the field looked better,” Starr said. “They’re finally beginning to believe that they can play this type of hockey.”
BU is peaking at the right time, in the middle of a five game stretch in which they play four Top 20 teams and just in time for the grueling America East schedule. With a revamped offense, solid defense, and outstanding play in goal from senior Susan Harrington the Terriers have momentum that could potentially carry them far into postseason play.
The first step toward accomplishing that goal for the Terriers is this Friday when they play a conference game against the University of New Hampshire.