Field Hockey: Terriers Beat Holy Cross 3-2, Earning First Patriot Leauge Win
Featured image by Duru Yuceturk
By Kasie Costalas
Boston University Field Hockey (4-4, 1-1 PL) rallied from an early deficit to earn a 3-2 win over Holy Cross (3-5, 0-1 PL) on Friday afternoon at Hart Turf Field. Senior forward Caroline O’Brien led the way with a goal and an assist, securing the Terriers their 29th straight win against the Crusaders.
Holy Cross controlled the start of the game, firing seven shots and maintaining possession for most of the first quarter. Defender Megan Schienbien put the Crusaders on the board first scoring on a corner for the Crusaders, leaving the Terriers trailing less than 12 minutes in.
It didn’t take long for BU to find momentum on both ends of the field. The Terriers defense didn’t allow a single shot from their opponent during the second quarter while the offense managed to take eight of their own.
BU was also awarded five corners during the period. On the second penalty, senior forward Natalie Epperson tapped in a shot from forward Caroline O’Brien to put BU on the board.
The Terriers grabbed their first lead less than 10 minutes later. Freshman midfielder Molly Driscoll came up with a downfield breakaway and absorbed a challenge from the final defender, and lifted the ball past Crusader goalkeeper Mia McCloskey for a 2-1 lead.
Despite BU’s new energy on the field, the Crusaders were able to score three minutes later on another penalty corner, tying the game 2-2.
The game remained tied until the fourth quarter, but, after drawing three corners at the 52-minute mark, the Terriers finally pulled ahead. Freshman back Rachel Turer fed O’Brien at the top of the goal circle, and the senior ripped home the game-winning goal for her team leading sixth goal of the year.
The Crusaders stayed aggressive and, with less than four minutes left, fired one final shot on goal. Although the ball snaked past several Terriers, midfielder Maggie Driscoll came up with a stop on the goal line to keep BU on top.
The game-saving play quickly translated into a fast break, which drew a penalty stroke. The shot, also taken by Driscoll, was ultimately saved by Crusaders goalie Mia McCloskey.
Although BU outshot Holy Cross 21-10, McCloskey kept her team in the game by stopping 14 of the Terriers’ shots.
BU junior Nicole Lauro added to the defense with several stops in the midfield, and junior goaltender Sophie Ortyl made four saves.
In their next matchup, the Terriers will return to Nickerson Field on Sunday, Sept. 28, to face the University of New Hampshire Wildcats at New Balance Field at 1 p.m.