Field Hockey: Sept. 2 Weekend Preview

By Gracie Davenport 

Boston University Field Hockey (0-1, 0-0 PL) is heading north for a pair of games at the University of Maine this weekend. BU will take on the UMaine Black Bears (1-1) Friday before facing the University of Ohio Bobcats (0-1) Saturday. 

After dropping their season-opener 3-1 to Michigan State at home last weekend, the Terriers are looking for redemption on the road. 

While the Spartans’ senior forward Emma O’Neill stole the spotlight, scoring all three goals for Michigan State, BU’s sophomore midfielder Martu Coulo dazzled in her own regard. 

The reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year picked up right where she left off during her freshman campaign and opened the Terriers’ offense with a highlight-reel goal.

https://twitter.com/TerrierFH/status/1695119451501314145?s=20

In similar fashion to BU, the Black Bears dropped their season home opener 3-1 to Boston College. However, UMaine tightened up before the second half of last weekend’s set of games to shut down Providence College 2-0. 

UMaine’s sophomore Mallory Mackesy will be one player to watch after she scored a pair of goals during the Black Bears’ opening weekend. 

In net, the Black Bears sport a first-year and fifth-year goalkeeping tandem. Freshman Jayde Temby and graduate student Mallory Drayer have split time — switching at the half in both games — and secured the collective shutout against the Friars. 

For the Terriers, senior goalkeeper Kate Thomason got the expected start last weekend, making five saves over the first three quarters. In the final 15 minutes, junior goalkeeper Michelle Prario subbed in for BU to make her collegiate debut. 

Heading into Saturday’s matchup, the Bobcats are coming off a 5-1 loss to PL member American University. 

Fifth-year forward Katelyn Whittle scored the lone goal for OU and will be a player to watch offensively. She has ranked top two in Bobcat offense for the past three seasons.

In goal, senior goalkeeper Macy Lotze earned last weekend’s start and allowed five goals on six shots on net. 

BU’s full offensive capabilities will be put on display as they attempt to capitalize on OU’s defensive breakdowns. 

The weekend road trip will be played at the UMaine Field Hockey Complex with Friday’s match set for 2 p.m. and Saturday’s contest at 1 p.m. Both games will be available for streaming on ESPN+.