Field Hockey: Terriers look for a win in PL matchup against Colgate

Featured image by Elyse Paugh

By Austin Rayamajhi

Boston University field hockey (5-7, 2-2 PL) aims to get back on track against Patriot League rivals, the Colgate Raiders (2-10, 0-3 PL).

BU is currently on a three-game losing streak, including losses to two cross-town rivals, Ha, Harvard and Northeastern, as well as a loss to conference rival American University. The Raiders, meanwhile, are on their own five-game losing streak, including a 0-7 loss to Dartmouth in their last game this past week.

The Terriers have dominated the Raiders historically, boasting a 13-1 record against their opponents all-time. Colgate’s only win against BU came in their first-ever meeting, dating back to 1983. The Terriers have won 13 straight games against the Raiders, including a 6-2 win last October.

Colgate is led by Grace Schmelzinger, who has eight points and tied for the most goals on the team with Anna Lochhead. However, neither Schmelzinger nor Lochhead have been able to score in conference play. Colgate has only produced three goals in Patriot League contests, with two coming against American and one against Lehigh.

The goalkeeping for the Raiders is up in the air as Freshman keeper Mackie Mann has begun to play in recent contests for Colgate. Junior goaltender Claire van Kempen has struggled, which has given Mann an opportunity for some minutes on the field.

Meanwhile, the Terriers are hopeful that their star player, Payton Anderson, can continue her excellent season.

Anderson’s scoring streak was stopped against Harvard, but she was back on the board against Northeastern, scoring in the 4-2 loss. Anderson’s two points moved her into the top 10 for career points at BU. Her 73 career point tally puts her in a tie with Terrier Hall of Fame inductee Lisa Barone and All-American player Sofi Laurito.

Anderson’s eight goals this season have her tied for third in the Patriot League for most goals scored. Meanwhile, Natalie Epperson is not far behind, as she is tied for ninth in the Patriot League with four goals.

BU will look to rely on their dominant forwards to generate strong offensive possession and get themselves back into the win column.

The Terriers will face the Raiders on Oct. 18th at 6 p.m. at New Balance Field, with the matchup streaming on ESPN+.