The Boston University field hockey team looks to improve its conference record with an away tilt at unranked Fairfield University Friday.
Coming off a tough loss to No. 16 Duke University last Sunday, BU will look to add a win to their 4-8 record (1-0 America East) this season.
Facing off against them will be the 4-7 (0-1 AE) Fairfield Rams, who are coming off four losses in their last five games. The Rams have proven a tough matchup at home, however, sporting a 4-3 record at University Field.
The game between the two teams last season resulted in a breathtaking victory by BU. A last-second goal by then-junior Haley Robinson sealed the Terriers’ comeback in a 3-2 victory.
‘Fairfield is a team that regardless of their record always plays us tough,’ BU coach Sally Starr said. ‘It’s a conference game so they’ll be emotionally into the game. I’m expecting a competitive contest.’
Featuring a young team much like BU’s, the Rams are led by an offense featuring sophomore Marit Westenberg and juniors Anne Nieuwenhuis and Melanie Leo, who lead Fairfield with ten points apiece on the season. The real weakness has been on defense where goalies Caitlin O’Donnell and Megan Ambrose have combined to allow a staggering 38 goals in 11 games.
The Terriers will look to convert more of their chances as the schedule winds down. Despite holding a 168-112 shot advantage on the season, BU has been outscored 26-23. Junior Allie Dolce paces the team with five goals and six assists for 16 points. Starr has placed an emphasis on offensive execution this week.
‘I would like to see us play with sustained energy and urgency for 70 minutes with a really competitive mindset,’ Starr said. ‘We’ve really put a focus this week on our passing so I would like to see us move the ball well.’
It is important that the Terriers take this game in order to regain their confidence and move up the rankings. With the toughest part of the schedule behind them, BU can now focus on conference play and aim at earning their fifth-consecutive America East title.
‘We have to take the positives out of [our losses] and learn from our mistakes,’ Starr said. ‘Those things will really help us prepare for our conference and for what’s remaining in our schedule.’
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