Field Hockey: 3-1 win over Colgate moves the Terriers back in the win column

Featured image by Elyse Paugh

By Mel Mastela

Breaking their three-game losing streak, Boston University field hockey (6-7, 3-2 PL) defeated Patriot League opponent Colgate University (2-12, 0-4 PL) 3-1 on Friday night.

This win increased desire and raised hopes for a chance for the team to compete for the conference championship.

“Really grateful that our team came out ready to compete,” Coach Sally Starr said post-game. “It was a gritty game, it was an important conference win for us.. I think this game tonight was a big part of our ability to make the conference tournament.”

The Terriers started off on the right foot with strong offensive possession.

Presenting loads of pressure on Colgate’s defending line, Tess Csejka sailed the ball past the Raiders goalie, freshman Mackie Mann, scoring the first goal of the game only three minutes in.

Colgate responded quickly, not allowing BU to build momentum.

Providing the stint in their brief surge was Colgate’s forward Katie Convey, who snuck past goaltender Kate Thomason to even out the score within the seventh minute.

Looking to regain their lead, Payton Anderson answered by doubling the Terriers’ score on a penalty corner for her ninth of the season.

BU headed into the second quarter, holding on to their one-goal lead.
The second frame ended the way it started, with many chances for both teams but aggressive defense from both sides to keep the score stalemated at 2-1 in favor of the Terriers.

BU was eager to extend their lead in the second half.

The Raiders looked to tie up the game, but an early penalty to Colgates’ Dani Palmer halted their chances.

Anderson capitalized on the penalty call, netting her second of the night and 10th of the season, giving the Terriers a more comfortable 3-1 lead.

“Yeah that [gaining a two goal lead] was huge,” Starr said. “We have a lot of confidence in our corners and our execution, [Anderson] has been outstanding.”

By the end of the third quarter, the Raiders were looking for any chance to score and bring themselves back into the game, while BU was searching for an opportunity to reinforce their winning chances.

The final quarter included lots of back-and-forth play, great saves made by both goalies, and both teams pushing to find an open net.

Running out the clock, the Terriers held on to their lead and secured the win against Colgate, doing so without any penalty corners.

“Gotta really shout out our defense though, they did not get any penalty corners,” Starr said. “I don’t care who you’re playing, that’s really difficult to do and our defense did a great job.”

BU will look to remain in the win column as they face off against the University of New Hampshire on Oct. 20 for a 2 p.m. matinee matchup. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.