Field Hockey: Terriers look for first PL win in matchup against Holy Cross

Featured image by Jenny Chen

By Mel Mastela

Boston University Field Hockey (3-4, 0-1 PL) is heading west for a matchup against the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders(3-4, 0-0 PL) on Friday afternoon. 

Winning their last game 3-0 over Bryant University, BU hopes to carry momentum into Patriot League play and secure its first conference victory of the season. Holy Cross is also coming off a 2-1 win against the Bulldogs and will look to open league play with a victory.

Friday will mark the 32nd meeting between the programs, with the Terriers holding a 28-game winning streak in the series. BU owns a 14-1-1 record at home, and a 14-1 record on the road against the Crusaders.

Senior forward Caroline O’Brien has been a standout for BU, recording her third career hat trick in the Terriers’ last game. O’Brien leads the team with 14 points and remains a key player to watch as the season continues. 

For Holy Cross, junior midfielder Maguire Sturgis leads the team with 14 points this season. Junior midfielder Saskia Williams drew an attacking penalty and scored the game-winning goal against Bryant last Tuesday. The Crusaders aim to bring that momentum into the first Patriot League matchup.

Junior goalkeeper Sophie Ortyl has recorded two shutouts this season for the Terriers, including Sunday’s win over Bryant. Expected to start on Friday, Ortyl holds a 1.60 goals-against average and a .789 save percentage.

Sophomore goalkeeper Mia McCloskey has started every game for Holy Cross this season. She enters Friday’s contest with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .754 save percentage.

Both teams feature strong goaltending, setting up what should be a competitive matchup in Worcester. The Terriers will look to secure their first Patriot League win of the season.

BU will face Holy Cross at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex on Sep. 26 at 3 p.m. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.