No. 3 Virginia Field hockey Blanks No. 13 Boston College 2-0 in ACC Debut
Chestnut Hill, MA – The No. 3 Virginia Cavaliers commenced their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule with a decisive 2-0 victory over No. 13 Boston College Friday afternoon at the Newton Campus Field. Junior Mia Abello’s second goal of the season propelled the Cavaliers to a strong start in conference play.
The win marks Virginia’s third shutout of the season, anchored by goalkeeper Nilou Lempers’ six saves. This ACC opener sets a tone for the Cavaliers’ championship aspirations, as they navigate a challenging conference schedule. Virginia will continue ACC competition against No. 4 Syracuse on Sunday, September 21st.
Abello broke the scoreless tie with her 11th career goal, giving Virginia a 1-0 advantage. The Cavaliers extended their lead in the second half, securing the shutout victory. Boston college managed eight shots to Virginia’s five, holding a 6-3 edge in shots on goal, but Lempers proved impenetrable in net. Both teams earned three penalty corners.
“We defended our circle well,” said Virginia Head Coach Ole keusgen. “That was definitely a defensive battle today. We stay disciplined and physical in our defensive 25 but I didn’t like how often they had good looks inside our defensive 25 so we have to figure that one out. It was definitely a defensive win tonight.”
Boston College goalkeeper Charlotte Kramer recorded one save in the contest. The Cavaliers will travel to Syracuse, New York, to face the Orange at J.S. Coyne Field on Sunday at 12 p.m.
