Women’s Hockey: Battle of Comm. Ave returns, this time at Walter Brown Arena

Featured image by Spirit Veron

By Hannah Connors

The Battle of Comm. Ave continues. 

For the third time this season, No. 15 Boston University Women’s Ice Hockey (16-8-1, 12-4-1 HE) is set to face the No. 12 Boston College Eagles (17-8-1, 13-5-1 HE) this Friday, January 31, at the newly renovated Walter Brown Arena.

“Hockey East is a fun place to be when BU and BC are playing well,” coach Watchorn said of the rivalry.

In their first matchup of the season, the Terriers suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss despite outplaying their green-line rivals. They bounced back in the second matchup with a solid 3-1 victory.

Historically, the Terriers have struggled against the Eagles, holding an all-time record of 26-39-8. However, momentum from BU’s recent weekend sweep against the Holy Cross Crusaders could change this narrative.

“I am happy with the strides we took this weekend,” Watchorn said. “Constantly navigating, you know, connections and lines that are gonna get the most out of everyone in each role.” 

Both netminders have played exceptionally well for the Terriers. Senior Callie Shanahan boasts a .923 save percentage and 1.77 goals against average. Sophomore Mari Pietersen recorded back-to-back shutouts this past weekend against Holy Cross, earning her the Hockey East Player of the Week award. Pietersen earned her first (and second) collegiate shutouts with these wins, setting a career-high in saves to improve her save percentage to .904.

Captain Tamara Giaquinto continues to excel as a leader for the Terriers, netting one goal and two assists this past weekend against the Crusaders. Giaquinto has been a top point scorer this season, with a total of 14 (6 G, 8 A).

The Eagles are expected to start junior Grace Campbell in net, who currently holds a .933 save percentage and 1.96 goals against average.

The 2023-2024 Hockey East Rookie of the Year, Sammy Taber, remains dominant on the offensive charge, currently tallying 26 points (10 G, 16 A) for BC. 

The Terriers will look to enter on the front foot, riding the high off of the weekend sweep. 

Puck drop between the rival teams is set for 6 p.m. on Friday at the Walter Brown Arena. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.