BOSTON – the Boston University field hockey team secured its first win of the season Wednesday afternoon, defeating Quinnipiac 4-2 at New Balance Field. A dominant performance led by junior forward Katie O’Brien propelled the Terriers to victory in a game where they established an early lead and never relinquished it.
The win marks the first for BU in the 2023 season and continues their undefeated record against the Bobcats,improving to 4-0 all-time in the series – their first meeting in 18 years. the Terriers’ strong start and offensive firepower proved too much for Quinnipiac, despite a late push from the visitors.
O’Brien spearheaded the Terrier attack, finishing with two goals and three assists. She opened the scoring just 13 seconds into the game, assisting junior Nicole Lauro for a 1-0 lead.O’brien then added her first goal of the season in the second quarter, extending BU’s advantage to 2-0. She capped off her extraordinary performance with a tip-in goal in the fourth quarter, making it 4-1. Freshman molly Driscoll also scored for BU, elevating a shot past the Quinnipiac netminder at 3:26 of the second quarter. Freshman Delfi Coulo recorded her first collegiate point with an assist on O’Brien’s final goal.
Quinnipiac responded with goals from Maaike Van Wensen and another in the final two minutes of regulation, but the Terriers’ early lead proved insurmountable. BU goalkeeper Sophie Ortyl secured the win with a five-save performance.
The Terriers held a 15-12 shot advantage, while Quinnipiac earned eight corners to BU’s seven. O’Brien currently leads the team with seven points on the season.
BU will return to action on Sunday, September 14, hosting No. 4 Boston College at 1 p.m. at New Balance Field.
