The Boston University women’s ice hockey team (6-8-2, 4-6-1 Hockey East) takes on Holy Cross (5-10-2, 2-7-2 HE) and Providence College (5-11-1, 4-7-1 HE) this weekend in two conference matchups at a semi-pivotal point in the season.
The Terriers enter their final weekend of the fall semester on a three-game losing streak and only have two wins in their last eight games. They hope to right the ship this weekend and end the season on a stronger note.
“This group’s still learning how to win,” BU head coach Tara Watchorn said following last Friday’s 2-1 loss to Northeastern. The Terriers led 1-0 going into the final five minutes of the game but gave away the lead at the end of regulation and lost in overtime.
Late-game errors have plagued this Terrier team this season, with almost all losses for BU coming after the team had either tied or led in the game.
For the Terriers to contend, or even compete, in the second half, they need to clean up the defensive miscues that have put them in this place and find a late-game equalizer on the offensive end.
In one bright spot, what was once viewed as a question mark for the team, goaltending, has become a strong suit.
Graduate transfer Alexa Matses has gotten a majority of the starts in net in recent weeks. But, in her sixth straight starts, dating back to a Nov. 14 start against Harvard, Matses only has one win to show for a 2.33 goals against average.
Still, it remains to be seen whether Watchorn decides to return to a rotation this weekend or in the second half when junior Callie Shanahan will, presumably, be returning from injury.
This weekend’s series comes against two lesser Hockey East opponents, giving the Terriers a final opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the conference in the second half. Up to this point, BU hasn’t made a claim to be a contender within their conference.
Three things to know about Holy Cross
- Holy Cross’ 2-7-2 conference record has them dead last in the Hockey East standings.
- The Crusaders have had a mixed end to their first half, going 2-3 in their last five games.
- Their leading goal scorer is senior forward Millie Sirum with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) through 17 games played.
Three things to know about Providence
- The Friars have won both of their first two games against the Terriers this season, outscoring BU 5-4 in those two games.
- Providence had a 22-11-4 record last season and advanced to the Hockey East Championship game, losing to Northeastern.
- The Friars have had a tougher start to the season, currently being outscored by opponents 51-26 for the season.
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