Women’s Hockey: Terriers Look to Rebound Against No. 8 Colgate in Weekend Series

By Claire Smieszny

This weekend, Boston University Women’s Ice Hockey (0-2-0, 0-0-0 HEA) will head to upstate New York for another out-of-conference series against Colgate University Raiders (0-2-0).

Both teams are coming off losses to Big Ten powerhouse programs last weekend, with the Terriers facing Minnesota and the Raiders taking on Ohio State.

Getting in the win column this week is crucial for both teams to regain momentum, as conference play begins in two weeks for both.

Despite the Terriers’ losses last weekend, there were still moments that showcased potential for the rest of the season. Senior forward Sydney Healey had a goal and an assist for two points on the weekend. The Terriers also held a one-point led over Minnesota for almost 15 minutes of play in game two.

“It was great that we saw flashes of what we’re capable of, but we have higher goals than that,” BU Head Coach Tara Watchorn said. “How do we do it over three periods, over a whole weekend, and how do we make sure we’re playing the way we want to play?”

Coming into this weekend, the Terriers’ biggest challenge will be Colgate senior forward Elyssa Biederman, who was an offensive powerhouse for the Raiders last season with 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points. Only nine other skaters in the division had more points.

However, similar to last week, the Raiders lack a strong presence on the back end. With all three of their goaltenders being underclassmen with minimal starting experience, an early season matchup while the rotation is still in the works might be the key to a strong offensive showing for the Terriers.

This weekend is an opportunity for BU to rebound and get back in the national conversation, as the Terriers sit at No. 14 in the USCHO poll this week. Taking down a No. 8 Colgate squad could solidify this team as a playoff contender and build on the identity that Watchorn has worked to cultivate over her last two seasons as head coach.

“I think it’s different how we define success for this group, and we have expectations,” Watchorn said.“I think we proved to ourselves that we can carry the play, we can generate momentum, and we can dominate the play. I think the biggest thing that I want to make sure we still remember is that we want to solidify our identity every weekend.”

The Terriers will face off against the Raiders on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, with puck drop set for 6 p.m. both nights. Streaming is available on ESPN+.