Field Hockey: Terriers shutout in PL matchup

Featured image by Troy Buldoc

By Jose Rodriguez

American University Eagles (7-5, 3-0 PL) defeated the Boston University Terriers (5-6, 2-2 PL) 2-0 in a shutout on Friday afternoon at Jacobs Recreational Complex.

In the game’s opening stages, both teams were evenly matched, fiercely competing for every inch of the field. The first seven minutes saw intense back-and-forth action, with numerous substitutions on both sides. At 7:15, AU Sarah Steinman earned a penalty corner, and a swift nine seconds later, Agustina Ruffo secured a 1-0 lead for the Eagles.

Throughout the first period, AU displayed aggressive play, constantly pressuring BU’s defense and dominating with 12 shots on goal, while the Terriers struggled to create scoring opportunities. As the period drew to a close, the Eagles pushed to increase their lead.

Sophie Willemse and Elle Ridge each took shots just 23 seconds apart at the 13:01 mark, but both attempts were blocked by goaltender Kate Thomason, leaving the score at 1-0.

During the early stages of the second quarter, BU adopted a more assertive playing style.

After both teams completed the initial 15 minutes of the game, Celia Nocivelli and Payton Anderson were determined to score and level the playing field for their team.

Despite their efforts, Eagles’ goaltender Bryn Underwood blocked Nocivelli’s shot, while Anderson’s attempt narrowly missed its target.

After pressure from the Terriers, the Eagles were eager to increase their lead, but the two teams remained evenly matched throughout the first half, with American University holding a narrow 1-0 lead.

AU wasted no time at the start of the second half, as Roffo scored a goal just two minutes and 18 seconds into the third for her second of the night, extending the Eagles lead by two.

Throughout the quarter, AU made several attempts to increase their lead to 3-0 but were unsuccessful.

At the 40:34 mark, BU’s Martu Coulo received a green card, but the Eagles couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.

As the game’s end was near, the Terriers were looking for two to tie the game.

The momentum shifted in BU’s favor after an Eagle shot went wide, and the Terriers began to attack the Eagles’ zone.

Despite shot opportunities from various BU players, the Terriers were unable to find the back of the net.

Ultimately, AU held off BU’s late push, securing a shutout victory.

The Terriers will look to bounce back this Sunday, Oct. 13th as they prepare to take on the Northeastern Huskies. The contest is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will be available to stream live on ESPN+.