Field Hockey: Terriers set to start Patriot League matchup

By: Alexa Podalsky

Five days after netting the game-winning goal off a penalty corner against the University of Maine, Boston University field hockey (3-3) will travel to Lewisburg, PA for their first Patriot League matchup. The Bucknell University Bisons (2-4) are the first of three division matchups that will be crucial when evaluating the Terriers’ strength this season. 

BU only dropped one loss on the road against the Bisons in 2014 and is on a three-game win streak. But in recent years, the Terriers found trouble facing their reshaped defense after Kelsey Kolojejchick took over as head coach for Bucknell in 2022. 

In their last three wins against the Lewisburg-based team, BU scored five goals, including the one that resulted in a 2-1 double-overtime win. 

Bison sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Althouse has a 1.62 goals-against-average with nine goals in six games but gave up four against the 14th-ranked Ohio State. Meanwhile on offense, freshman midfielder Sally Hunter and senior forward Lily Neilson account for half of Bucknell’s goals this season. 

On the Terrier side, graduate student Kate Thomason is paving the way for sophomore Sophie Ortyl to take over next season. Ortyl has already played 90 minutes over two games, and together the two combine for 2.88 goals against and 42 saves. 

Upperclassmen midfielders have taken the reins to rule the offense. Seniors Katie Devine and Payton Anderson combined for seven goals, and junior Megan Wetzel and senior Tegan Poerio tallied six assists. BU will look to their upperclassmen to lead them in their first conference matchup. 

If the Terriers can push through Bucknell’s bolstering defense, they can gain essential momentum when facing the 2022 Patriot League Champion Lehigh University at home on Sunday. 

The Terriers will face the Bisons on Friday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. at Graham Field in Lewisburg, PA. The game is available to watch on ESPN+.