Field Hockey: Regular season closes with loss to Boston College

NEWTON, MA – Over the last 20 minutes or so of a 1-0 loss to Boston College on Sunday, Boston University field hockey head coach Sally Starr felt her team’s press was suffocating.

Save for a mishap on a corner, The No. 24 Boston University field hockey team (107, 6-0 Patriot League)  capped the regular season at No. 13 Boston College (10-8) at the Boston College Field Hockey Complex with strong play.

“We were creating a lot of turnovers, winning a lot of balls back,” Starr said. “I think BC is an outstanding team, and if we can create turnovers against a team like that, that’s the way we’ve got to into our tournament.”

Following a scoreless first half, Boston College’s Eva Van de Mierop connected on a penalty corner. Her first goal of the year served as the winner, coming in the 42nd minute.

Boston University goalkeeper Kathleen Keegan stopped six shots, three in each half to keep the Eagles from adding to their advantage.

“I think Keegs had an outstanding game today,” Starr said. “As you go into the postseason, that’s how you want to see your goalie playing.”

BU got two shots on goal, but both were saved.

Up next, the Patriot League Tournament. The first-seeded Terriers will face fourth-seeded Lafayette in the semifinals on Friday Nov. 2 on home turf at New Balance Field.

Starr hopes her defense will push them over the top.

“Press with a purpose,” Starr said. “We don’t press just to press. We press with the intent to win the ball.”

Greg Levinsky can be reached at glevinsk@bu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @GregLevinsky