Women’s Soccer: BU Looks to Take on First Matchup of Patriot League Tournament Against Lafayette

By Jane Guay 

Boston University Women’s Soccer (10-4-3, 7-1-1 PL) is set to take on Lafayette College (5-7-7, 3-3-3 PL) in the semifinals round of the Patriot League Tournament on Nickerson Field Thursday night. 

The Terriers are coming out of a fantastic regular season heading into the tournament. After their win at home against Colgate, the Terriers were named Patriot League Champions. With a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed in the league, they are expected to come out on top against the No. 5 seed Leopards. 

The Terriers are looking to extend their undefeated streak against Lafayette that dates back to 2019. BU has dominated the all-time series with 11 wins and two draws, dropping just one contest to the Leopards — a road loss in Easton, Pennsylvania. On home turf, however, the Terriers are a perfect 7-0 against Lafayette. 

In more recent events, just over a month ago, the Leopards made a trip to BU and lost 0-5 at Nickerson Field. Two goals were made by senior midfielder Mackenzie Stickelmen, along with others made by sophomore midfielder Oliva Avellar, sophomore defender Alli Powderly and sophomore forward Juliana Osterman. 

Coming right out of Patriot League award season, the Terriers have some star contributors for viewers to look out for. Major awards went to Head Coach Megan Burke for Patriot League Coaching Staff of the Year, Giulianna Gianino for Midfielder of the Year and Helene Tyburczy for Defensive Player of the Year. 

BU is already starting at an improvement compared to last year, where they were the No. 2 seed heading into the tournament. The Terriers hope to swee no change in the outcome of the tournament, as they have the chance to become back-to-back Patriot League Tournament champions.  

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday at Nickerson Field, with streaming available on ESPN+.