Field Hockey: Terriers Shut Out on the Road at Maine

Featured Image by Jenny Chen

By Kit Humbarger

The Boston University field hockey team (5-8, 2-2 PL) couldn’t find the back of the cage in a 5-0 loss to the University of Maine Black Bears (5-9, 1-2 PL) on Saturday afternoon at the UMaine Field Hockey Complex. 

The matchup marked the Terriers’ final road contest before closing out their home schedule, and they came out with energy despite the long trip north. 

BU opened with early momentum, earning the first shot of the game and the only corner in the first half. The Black Bears, however, took control midway through the opening frame when junior forward Saylor Kuefler put UMaine ahead 1-0. The hosts added to their lead just before halftime as Olivia Geneti finished off a rebound to make it 2-0.

The Black Bears’ attack stayed aggressive after the break, knocking in two quick goals in the third quarter – one from freshman defender Nicole Kowalewski off a corner in the 33rd minute and another from junior midfielder Brynn Dzengelewski six minutes later. 

BU did manage to push back in the later part of the third quarter. The Terriers earned a penalty corner and put together a strong offensive sequence that saw two shots narrowly miss the goal. Despite crisp passing and determination, the team couldn’t break through UMaine’s disciplined defense or Graduate goalkeeper Rozarie Mrazova, who stopped both BU shots she faced to secure the shutout. 

Junior Sophie Ortyl posted five saves through three quarters before freshman Anna Wilson made her collegiate debut in the fourth quarter. Wilson looked composed in her first minutes of action, making several clears under pressure and communicating well with her defenders. The Black Bears added one final goal in the closing moments when senior midfielder Zoe Furber finished a cross with just 39 seconds remaining. UMaine finished with a 14-5 edge in total shots, while both sides earned three corners. 

The game was steadily physical. BU midfielders Nicole Lauro and Megan Wetzel and UMaine back Julia Pieters received green cards, and there were over 50 fouls throughout the 60 minutes of play. 

Overall, the Black Bears outshot the Terriers 14-5. Despite the scoreline, BU showed flashes of potential on both ends of the field. The Terriers maintained possession for stretches of time and showed up even under pressure. 

The Terriers now turn their attention to the final home contest of the regular season. BU will host Lafayette on Thursday at 4 p.m. on New Balance Field. Prior to the game, the Terriers will recognize their senior class for their contributions to the program. With postseason still a possibility, BU will look to bounce back and finish strong in front of their home crowd. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.