Field Hockey: Terriers top American 1-0 and Advance to Patriot League Championship

Featured Image by Jenny Chen

By Kit Humbarger

The fourth-seed Boston University Terriers (7-10, 3-3 PL) shut out the first-seed American Eagles (12-6, 6-0 PL) in the Patriot League semifinal game on Thursday, November 6. The final score was 1-0 at the Jacobs Recreation Complex. 

This is BU’s first win against American since the 2022 season, and the Terriers’ first shutout against the Eagles in the program’s history. 

The first period started scoreless. Freshman forward Delfi Coulo played the ball into the circle in the sixth minute, but the Terriers couldn’t find the net. Despite their two shots and two penalty corners, the Eagles were unsuccessful in their offensive attempts as well. 

The Terriers pulled ahead in the second period when junior midfielder Nicole Lauro scored on an assist by Coulo in the 29th minute. This was Lauro’s sixth goal of the season and her second career goal in a Patriot League tournament. 

BU held their lead through the half, keeping the game at 1-0.

The Eagles fought hard to tie the score, attempting five shots in the third period. However, the Terriers’ defense was on point, and junior goalkeeper Sophie Ortyl made her first save of the game in the 43rd minute. 

The fourth period started with three American corners straight, but once again, BU’s defense shut them out. Ortyl made her second save of the game as well, keeping the score 1-0. 

The Terriers tried to widen their lead with one more shot on goal in the last 10 minutes, but the effort was blocked. 

American outshot BU 15-4, and had 8 penalty corners to the Terriers’ one. Both Ortyl and American senior goalkeeper Pauline Gineste had two saves.

This victory secured BU’s spot in its ninth Patriot League Championship game. This is also the first time the Terriers have won a Patriot League tournament game as the fourth seed.

“I think without exception, everyone on the team truly believed that we could win the game today,” Coach Sally Star said postgame. “We had that mindset, we had that heart set, we had that competitive spirit, and we got a huge win today.” 

The Terriers will play Lafayette College in the championship game, which will take place on Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.