PRINCETON, N.J. — The Boston University field hockey team faced a tough loss against Fairfield in the NCAA Tournament’s Opening Round, falling 1-0 at Bedford Field. This defeat ended their postseason run. Despite the team’s efforts, they couldn’t find the net against a strong Fairfield defense.
Fairfield scored the only goal in the 13th minute, a tip-in by Rylee LaLoup after Noor Hellemans’ shot from outside the circle. The Terriers fought hard but struggled to convert their chances.
Junior goalkeeper Sophie Ortyl made three impressive saves, while teammates Maggie Driscoll and Caroline O’Brien also contributed defensively, each making key stops to keep the game close.
The match featured a total of 22 shots, with Fairfield outshooting the Terriers 14-8. The Stags also had the edge in penalty corners, earning nine compared to BU’s three.
Game Highlights:
- Fairfield capitalized on their third penalty corner with the game’s only goal.
- BU’s offense struggled to break through, with their last corner coming early in the third quarter.
- O’Brien, alongside Ortyl, showcased their defensive skills, especially in the final minutes as they fought to keep the scoreline unchanged.
This match marked the Terriers’ 15th NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Sally Starr. With this game, Fairfield recorded their first win ever against BU, narrowing the series to 10-1 in favor of the Terriers.
In addition to the loss, it’s noteworthy that Caroline O’Brien concluded her senior season leading all players in the Patriot League with 37 points and 15 goals. Her performance places her among the top ranks in Boston University’s history for a single season.
Overall, this match reflected the intense competition often seen in NCAA Tournament games, where defense and strategic plays can significantly influence the outcome. The Terriers will surely use this experience to build for the future.
