DURHAM, N.H. – A back-and-forth contest saw the Boston University field hockey team fall just short against the University of New Hampshire, 7-6, on Wednesday afternoon at memorial Field. The high-scoring affair featured multiple lead changes and a hat trick from UNHS Elaina Poulakis, ultimately deciding the outcome in the 58th minute.
The Terriers battled fiercely,responding to each UNH surge with goals from Ailsa Driscoll,Payton Bergner,and a pair from Natalie O’Brien,who reached a career-high 22 points on the season. Despite matching UNH in shots (19-18) and corners (7-7), BU couldn’t contain the Wildcats’ late push. This result impacts BU’s positioning in the competitive America East Conference,as they seek to secure a playoff berth. The Terriers will look to rebound this Saturday at Lehigh.
BU struck first, capitalizing on a corner play at 6:57 as Alex Purcell found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1 after an early goal by UNH’s Kate MacMillan.The Terriers continued their offensive momentum, converting another corner at 13:59 with Driscoll scoring her first goal as a Terrier. Poulakis answered for UNH at 15:43, assisted by Kathelijne Knuttel, knotting the score at 3-3 heading into halftime.
O’Brien regained the lead for BU at 33:54,capitalizing on a play drawn by freshman Delfi Coulo. However, UNH responded with three consecutive goals – from Poulakis (35th minute), Faye meijer (37:24), and Knuttel (41:15) - to establish a 6-4 advantage. O’Brien briefly halted the Wildcats’ run, scoring her eighth goal of the season at 41:21 off a rebound from a shot by Martha Coulo.
Bergner then leveled the score at 6-6 with 6:21 remaining in regulation,finishing a play initiated by Purcell. The tie was short-lived, as Poulakis completed her hat trick at 58:03, receiving a pass from Tasmin Cookman to secure the 7-6 victory for UNH.
BU goalkeeper Millie Ortyl recorded five saves, while UNH’s Abby Johnson made four stops. Terrier freshman Rachel Trips added a defensive save.
The Terriers will return to action on Saturday, October 4, with a 1 p.m. Patriot League contest at Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
