Women’s Lacrosse: BU stumbles against No. 3 Boston College
By Joe Eachus
Though Boston University women’s lacrosse is off to their best start in recent memory, they still have a ways to go until they can compete with the NCAA’s blue bloods.
Third-ranked Boston College, with six straight NCAA championship appearances, thoroughly dismantled the Terriers, 23-5, at Fish Field House on Wednesday.
Scoring twice in the opening frame, this one was over almost as soon as it started. The Eagles’ dynamic offense, powered by McKenna Davis (one goal, five assists) was simply too much for the BU defense to handle.
“We did a better job coming together [and] playing team defense [in the second half]. I don’t think we necessarily settled in on offense,” coach Lauren Morton said.
One of the lone bright spots for BU was freshman goalkeeper Natalie Aiosa. Grabbing the starting job after Reilly Agres went down in the season opener, she’s made it hers to keep so far, making a career-high 11 saves on the evening.
“Poise, composure, she’s been someone who across the board has stepped into an unexpected position. We’ve been so impressed. Can’t speak enough to how well she’s done,” Morton said.
For the Eagles, Rachel Clark, Emma LoPinto, and Kayla Martello each scored four goals.
Despite Aiosa’s career day, the game was 10-0 Eagles at the end of the first quarter. BU did not register a shot attempt until Hannah Tillier was stopped by Eagle keeper Shea Dolce with three minutes remaining in the first frame, at which point BC had taken 20 shot attempts.
“Ultimately, they’re so deep offensively. They’re playing a lot of seniors and fifth years, so that experience, and physically they’re so fast. We prepared for a number of different people, but across the board they’re a strong team,” Morton added.
The Eagles cleared the starters off the field halfway through the second quarter. BU, playing with a short bench, could not do the same.
Along with several others, team scoring leader Elle Stevenson was notably missing from the field, dealing with an undisclosed injury. Stevenson is expected to return for BU’s next contest.
The Terriers finally scored with 1:21 remaining in the second, with Cassie Reinertson’s first of the year. Shots on goal were 23-4 at the half.
BU was able to have a better second half offensively, capped off by Ellen Monahan’s first goal since 2022. Monahan won a draw control with 2:30 remaining and rushed down the field to score.
Next for the Terriers is another top-25 matchup as they visit No. 25 Brown on Saturday. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m., and the game will stream on ESPN+.