Women’s Soccer: Terriers Host Holy Cross for Women in Sports Night
Featured Image by Troy Bolduc
By Marianne Zemmes
Boston University Women’s Soccer (6-4-3, 3-1-1 PL) returns home to Nickerson Field on Wednesday evening to face Holy Cross (4-7-2, 1-3-1 PL) for Women in Sports Night in a crucial Patriot League matchup.
The Terriers enter the contest riding a three-game unbeaten streak, including a 3-2 win at Army West Point, a 5-0 blowout of Lafayette and last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Bucknell. BU sits tied for first place in the Patriot League standings with Colgate — both holding 10 points on identical 3-1-1 conference records.
Senior midfielder Mackenzie Stickelman earned Patriot League Midfielder of the Week for the second time this season after recording a goal and an assist in Saturday’s win. The New York native ranks fourth in the conference in goals and fifth in points.
Senior forward Margy Porta, who received an honorable mention from the league, has also been helping lead the offense.
Anchoring BU’s backline, senior defender Helene Tyburczy recorded three shutouts in the last four matches and was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week. Senior midfielder Giulianna Gianino, who earned Midfielder of the Week earlier this season, has been equally instrumental in the recent surge.
Sophomore goalkeeper Bridget Carr has continued to shine between the posts, notching three saves in the Bucknell shutout to help BU record its fifth clean sheet of the year. Offensively, BU ranks among the Patriot League leaders with 162 total shots and 56 corner kicks.
Holy Cross arrives in Boston carrying momentum from a 1-0 win at Lafayette on Saturday, where midfielder Sam Halligan scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute. The Crusaders currently rank fourth in the league with eight points.
Holy Cross’ defense remains strong, with goalkeeper Aubrey Haesche leading the league in total saves, shutouts and save percentage. She earned her third Goalkeeper of the Week honor this season after making eight saves in Saturday’s shutout.
BU holds a commanding 13-3 all-time record against the Crusaders in a rivalry dating back to 1995, including an 8-2 mark in the last 10 meetings. The Terriers have been particularly strong at home, posting a 6-2 record at Nickerson Field in the series.
The teams last met on Oct. 16, 2024, when BU cruised to a 3-0 victory in Worcester. However, the Terriers will remember their most recent home loss to the Crusaders — a 1-0 defeat on Oct. 11, 2023.
With only four conference games remaining before tournament play, Wednesday’s matchup offers BU a crucial opportunity to maintain its first-place position and secure home-field advantage in the Patriot League Quarterfinals.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Nickerson Field, with the game available to stream live on ESPN+.