Boston University
(13-7)
#3 Bucknell (Championship)
(10-10)
PL CHAMPS!! Late Goal Lifts Terriers Past Bucknell, 2-1
November 5, 2017 | Field Hockey
BOSTON – A 68th-minute goal from senior Allie Renzi lifted the No. 20 Boston University field hockey team to a thrilling, 2-1 comeback victory over Bucknell in the 2017 Patriot League title game on Sunday at New Balance Field.
The Bison opened the scoring in the 10th minute and held on to the lead until sophomore Kiley Gallagher scored off a corner with 16:40 to play. Gallagher then set up the game-winner, intercepting a pass and penetrating the circle before finding Renzi on the left side of the circle.
BU captured its third Patriot League title in four seasons and will make its 13th NCAA tournament appearance.
How It Happened
- Bucknell controlled play in the early stages, earning a corner that resulted in a defensive save by Ally Hammel just under four minutes into the contest.
- The Bison took opening the scoring minutes later on a play in transition as an entry ball from Chloe Poltonavage was tipped by Mackenzie Haney right to Leah Fogelsanger, who sent it to the boards from just above the left post at the 9:53 mark.
- The Terriers put three shots on goal before halftime but Bucknell goalkeeper Emily Finn was up to the task each time.
- BU finally broke through on a corner in the 54th minute when Hammel passed off at the top of the circle to Gallagher, who drilled a shot that went off Finn and in to knot the score.
- Bucknell threatened to regain the lead with just under six minutes left in regulation but BU goalkeeper Kathleen Keegan was positioned perfectly to make a point-blank save on a shot by Nicole Rupnik.
- Gallagher created the game-winner by cutting off a Bucknell pass off a restart and creating space in the circle to free up Renzi's shot, which found the top left of the cage.
Game Notes
- Senior co-captain Kali Shumock was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
- Gallagher scored half of her four career goals over the weekend to earn a spot on the Patriot League All-Tournament Team along with Shumock, Hammel and freshman Ailsa Connolly.
- BU held an 11-4 advantage in shots and earned seven corners while allowing only two.
- Freshman Millie Baker played the first half before Keegan took over at halftime and earned the win in goal.
- The Terriers have now won 11 conference tournament titles during their 40 seasons as a varsity program.
Up Next
- BU will host MAAC champion Fairfield in the NCAA Opening Round on Wednesday (Nov. 8).
- Game time at New Balance Field is set for 1 p.m.
Team Stats
Fogelsanger, Leah (3)
Assisted By: Haney, Mackenzie
redirect at left post, pass from top rig
9:53
Gallagher, Kiley (4)
Assisted By: Hammel, Ally
off corner
53:20
Renzi, Allie (5)
Assisted By: Gallagher, Kiley
left side, 7 yds, pass from middle
67:35
