Field Hockey: 2023 Season Preview
By Gracie Davenport
Boston University Field Hockey is gearing up for another season after falling short in the Patriot League title game last fall. Without their home field for the entirety of last year due to renovations at New Balance Field, the Terriers will call Babcock Street home once again this season.
After being projected to finish fifth in last year’s preseason coaches poll, BU exceeded expectations by taking home the conference regular-season title. Getting contributions from up and down their lineup, the Terriers finished the season with a 5-1 conference and 10-9 overall record.
Rising junior back Payton Anderson made the switch to a defensive position at the beginning of the season but remained an offensive force in BU’s lineup. Leading the conference with four game-winning goals, Anderson also became the first sophomore ever to take home PL Defensive Player of the Year.
Rising senior forward Tess Csejka and rising sophomore midfielder Martu Coulo also drove BU’s offense. Csejka led the team in points, and Coulo picked up her production as the season progressed — taking home PL Rookie of the Year.
In goal, BU Head Coach Sally Starr split time between then-senior goalkeeper Caroline Kelly and rising senior Kate Thomason before Kelly took the reins midway through the season.
However, with Kelly graduating last spring, Thomason will lead the way. The keeper will share the goal with junior Michelle Prario and freshman Sophie Ortyl — neither of which has ever suited up for a collegiate contest.
Last week, the coaches voted on preseason conference honors, and it is safe to say the Terriers will not be written off as underdogs this season. Earning three first-place votes, the team is projected to finish second in the seven-team PL just behind American University.
Anderson was named preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and BU ranked first in preseason all-league honorees with four.
The Terriers’ experienced lineup will prove valuable for a team welcoming nine newcomers — including five first-years.
Looking at this season’s schedule, the Terriers will be tested early and often. The Scarlet and White saw their first in-game action in two scrimmages last week but officially opened their season with a 3-1 loss to Michigan State on Aug. 25.
From there, BU will notably host its Green Line rival Boston College on Sept. 8 before seeking redemption on a road trip to Lehigh University on Sept. 22. The Mountain Hawks ended the Terriers’ season last year in overtime of the PL title game. Before the season comes to a close, the Terriers will be tested by the preseason Patriot League favorite AU Eagles on Oct. 28.
See the full schedule here.