No. 3 Virginia Field Hockey Defeats No. 13 Boston College 2-0 in ACC Opener
BOSTON COLLEGE, MA – The No. 3 Virginia field hockey team began its ACC schedule wiht a 2-0 victory over No. 13 Boston college on Friday. The win marks the Cavaliers’ sixth consecutive victory this season.
Virginia opened the scoring late in the first quarter following a corner earned by freshman forward Riley Savage. A series of passes from freshman midfielder Mary Adams to senior Lauren Kennah set up junior midfielder Mia Abello, whose initial shot was deflected by a Boston College defender, resulting in another corner. On the subsequent play,Abello’s shot found the back of the net,giving virginia a 1-0 lead.
The second and third periods saw Boston College generate offensive pressure, outshooting Virginia six to two. Junior goalkeeper Nilou Lempers recorded five saves to maintain the Cavaliers’ advantage.
“I didn’t like how ofen they had good looks inside our defensive 25,” Virginia head coach Michele Keusgen said after the game. “We’ll have to figure that one out.”
Boston College continued to attack in the fourth quarter, forcing Lempers to make another save early in the period. With under 2:30 remaining, Boston College sophomore forward Ava Meehan received a yellow card.Capitalizing on the opportunity, Virginia junior forward emma Wachtilla scored an insurance goal into an empty net after Boston College removed its goalkeeper for an extra field player.
Virginia will continue ACC play on Sunday at 12 p.m. against No. 4 Syracuse, with the game streamed on ACCNX.
