By: Alex Smith<\/p>\n
It is official, Boston University and American will square off for the Patriot League title on Saturday at 2 p.m. The two sides faced each other at New Balance Field on October 3rd, with the Terriers winning a hard fought game 5-3. <\/span><\/p>\n It certainly wasn\u2019t easy for either of the top seeded teams, as both found themselves behind early, but it was the 1-4 matchup that brought the most excitement. <\/span><\/p>\n BU conceded an early goal, with Bucknell\u2019s Emily Goodloe smashing a penalty corner opportunity past a diving Cammy Jensen. Sofi Laurito did manage to pull one back only 57 seconds later, keeping her shot low and firing it into the bodies in front of the net. The ball caught a Bucknell defender and found the bottom right corner.<\/span><\/p>\n That was only the beginning for Laurito. Nine minutes into the second half, she burst forward and laid a pass ahead before having it tipped away. Ever the improviser, the Argentine calmly collected the ball after possession was lost and drove it into the roof of the net from just inside the area. <\/span><\/p>\n It was a special goal, even by the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year\u2019s standards. She made perfect contact with backside of her stick, and the shot was rising as it hit the roof of the net. A stranded Emily Finn could only watch the ball rifle past her ear as the senior wheeled away with outstretched arms celebrating her spectacular solo effort. <\/span><\/p>\n Despite being crushed 6-0 in the first meeting between the two, the Bucknell Bison would not lay down. They tied the score at two with only 4 minutes remaining through Kierstan Sydnor, who poked home Kayla Sullivan\u2019s pinpoint corner delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n Regulation would end that way, and as overtime progressed it seemed more and more likely that the Terriers would suffer a stunning, illogical defeat. BU dominated the game in all aspects, outshooting Bucknell an astounding 21-4 and earling 11 corners to Bucknell\u2019s 6, but still found themselves in search of a game winner. <\/span><\/p>\n Laurito nearly scored her third on a corner play, but saw her effort waved off as she and her teammates began to celebrate. Just prior, an injury to Emily Goodloe slowed down proceedings as Terriers had begun to look most threatening. <\/span><\/p>\n In the end, though, Laurito was too much for Bucknell. The senior collected the ball from Coll on the restart, and wasted no time spinning upfield. She showed that it isn\u2019t just her skills that set her apart, using her speed to burn past several Bison defenders despite having played every tick of the 90 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n She only had the keeper to beat, and as Finn rushed out to smother the opportunity, Laurito darted to her right. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before smashing a low drive into the bottom left corner to give BU the 2OT win, 3-2.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What I do know, is that BU will face American tomorrow at 2 p.m. What I don\u2019t, is which Laurito goal is my favorite. The first one was nice, but these next two are just otherworldly. BEHOLD:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It’s @SofiLaurito<\/a> with an amazing go-ahead goal for @BU_FieldHockey<\/a>. Watch live on https:\/\/t.co\/4ztg9RIiud<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/qLAPG8VinT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 PatriotLeagueNetwork (@PatriotLeagueTV) November 6, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hat trick and 2OT GWG for @SofiLaurito<\/a>! @BU_FieldHockey<\/a> advances to @PatriotLeague<\/a> final. https:\/\/t.co\/4ztg9RIiud<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HdpSLVZCV2<\/a><\/p>\n\n