Terriers Hold off Crimson 3-2, will Play Eagles in Beanpot Title

By: Brian Lombardo

Boston University Terriers: 3               Harvard Crimson: 2

CHESTNUT HILL — The early game of the 40th Women’s Beanpot was an up and down affair. The end result finds the Terriers playing in their first Beanpot title game since 2012, meaning this is new territory for Coach Brian Durocher’s team.

The team came out with fantastic energy, perhaps the best start that BU has seen all season. The Terriers scored three goals in a span of 2:21 seconds. All three goals were scored in the first six minutes of play time.

Senior assistant captain Victoria Bach broke open the scoring just 3:48 into the game. In a highlight reel effort, Bach deked around a Harvard defender who then lost an edge, giving the senior a clear path to the goalie. Bach pulled the puck to her backhand and beat Beth Larcom low glove side. The goal was her 33rd of the season. But she didn’t stop there.

Amidst a flurry of scoring chances, a Rebecca Leslie wrist shot rebounded out and found its way back on Bach’s stick. She wasted no time in netting her second goal of the game. That goal came at the 5:55 mark of the first period, and is now an NCAA second-best 34 goals for Bach on the 2017-18 season.

The Terriers continued to pour it on. This time just 14 seconds later, when Bach fed freshman Jesse Compher in wide open space in the right circle. Compher one-timed the pass, wristing a shot over Larcom’s shoulder for her eighth goal of the season.

From there on out it was all Crimson. Answering with a goal of their own before the first period concluded at the 14:03 mark. Harvard then connected again on the power play at 5:06 in the second.

Corinne Schroeder played well in her first Beanpot action as a Terrier. She made 24 saves in her debut. The Terriers will have the rest of the week off from game action before next Tuesday’s final.

“One of our biggest goals is to win a Beanpot title,” said Bach, glancing over at her linemate Leslie.

“We’re working hard to achieve that goal.” Leslie added.

They will be facing off against the Eagles of Boston College, who are looking for their eighth Beanpot title in program history. The game will take place at Conte Forum on Tuesday Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.