Field Hockey: No. 23 Terriers battle local rival in No. 11 Harvard

By: Krystle Boyajian

Boston University field hockey returns home after a weekend on the road as they get set to face off against Harvard University on Sunday afternoon.

Last Saturday, the Terriers (7-4, 3-0) continued their dominance of the Patriot League on Saturday, beating Lafayette College 7-4. Then on Sunday, the Terriers found yet another nonconference loss as they fell 3-1 against fifth-ranked Princeton University.

The Terrier roster is led by sophomores Petra Hall and Ailsa Connolly, who have tallied six goals each. Senior Ally Hammel rounds out the potent attack with three goals and five assists.

Harvard (10-1) sits in the midst of a seven-game winning streak. The Crimson’s sole loss is against the then third-ranked University of Maryland.

After a Crimson sweep of Bryant and Penn last weekend, Harvard went up a spot in the NFHCA Coaches Poll, landing themselves the 11 spot.

Following Friday’s win against Brown, junior Bente van Vlijmen leads the Harvard roster with nine goals and five assists. She’s followed closely by classmate Maddie Earle, who has eight goals and two assists this season.

The Crimson goalies hold a .714 save percentage, allowing only 10 goals and saving 25. Freshman goalkeeper Ellie Shahbo leads Harvard’s goalie roster with a save percentage of .750. Platoon-mate and senior Libby Manela holds a .667 save percentage this season.

The Terrier goalie trio holds a .500 save percentage this season. Sophomore net minder Millie Baker has the Terriers’ best save mark (.600 percent), allowing just two goals. Senior Kathleen Keegan – the team’s de facto starter of late – holds a .500 save percentage this season, saving 18 goals.

The Terriers face Harvard at 2 p.m. this Sunday on New Balance Field.