The No. 20 Boston University field hockey team will be open postseason play Friday afternoon when it takes on American University in the Patriot League Tournament semifinal in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, the home of Patriot League regular-season champion Bucknell University.
The Terriers (11-7, 5-1 Patriot League) and the Eagles (9-8, 4-2 Patriot League) will be vying for a berth in the tournament final for the second consecutive season.
BU ended its regular season as second seed in the Patriot League. The Terriers’ only Patriot League loss came from top-seeded Bucknell University, who went undefeated in conference play.
The Terriers are in the midst of a three-game winning streak. The first win of that stretch came on the road on Oct. 24 against the Eagles. BU put on a solid offensive and defensive show, winning 3-1 after outshooting the Eagles 13-7.
BU then closed out their final two games of the season at New Balance Field. The first of these two games was Oct. 26 against No. 13 University of Virginia. The Terriers once again had a great offensive showing, as junior midfielder/forward Sofi Laurito scored twice in the first half and helped the Terriers gain a 2-0 halftime lead. Her second goal proved to be decisive as the Cavaliers (12-7) were only able to score in the 70th minute off a penalty corner as time was about to expire, giving BU a 2-1 victory. BU outshot Virginia 10-7.
The Terriers’ final home game and final game of the season came against inter-league rival Colgate University. BU outmanned the Raiders (5-11, 3-3 Patriot League) and put together one of the most dominant performances of the season. The Terriers took 26 shots throughout the match, with seven BU players registering multiple attempts. The Terriers went on to win 4-1 with three different scorers. Laurito opened up the scoring in the 11th minute, sophomore forward Amanda Cassera added two scores and sophomore back Rachel Feig scored her first goal of the season in the 65th minute.
BU coach Sally Starr said she has been pleased with the team’s recent performances.
“We’ve been on a great winning streak these past few weeks,” she said. “The loss to [University of Massachusetts–Amherst on Oct. 19] was tough but I think we played great hockey. Picking up a win against Virginia was great. I feel like we’re playing our best hockey now.”
In regards to BU’s opponent, American is coming off a 3-0 road win over the College of the Holy Cross in their final game of the regular season. The Eagles played well particularly offensively, as they outshot the Crusaders (3-16, 0-6 Patriot League) 16-1 and finished with a 6-1 advantage in penalty corners.
The winner between the Terriers and the Eagles will take on the victor of the other semifinal game between Colgate and tournament host Bucknell.
“We feel good, excited…this is what you work for everyday in the summer and during the regular season,” Starr said. “Playoffs can be a bit nerve-wracking, but if we focus, we’ll be fine. We have to just focus on ourselves and our confidence, and I think we’ll do great.”
Alexander mainly covers field hockey for the Daily Free Press. On his days off, he catches up on playing basketball and soccer and cheers on the New York Giants, Knicks, and Yankees. He previously interned at the office of U.S. Senator Edward Markey.
