Nov. 4, 2007

Box Score

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The top-seeded Boston University field hockey team overcame an early deficit by reeling off four unanswered goals to post a 4-1 victory over second-seeded Albany in the America East title game on Sunday afternoon at Jack Barry Field. The Terriers won their third straight league championship - a program first - and now advance to the NCAA tournament with the league's automatic bid.

Senior Pam Spuehler scored to break a 1-1 tie and assisted on the final two goals en route to claiming the tournament's Most Oustanding Player honor. Sophomore Gabby Hajjar scored a pair of goals and senior Hayley Hamada recorded the Terriers' fourth and final goal of the contest.

"I could not be more proud of our team and the courage and confidence they showed today," said head coach Sally Starr. "Albany is an outstanding team and they forced us to elevate our level of play."

Albany opened the scoring in the 22nd minute off a penalty corner, but the Terriers had a quick answer and never trailed again.

Just over a minute after the Great Danes' initial tally, BU raced into the Albany zone and drew a corner. At the top of the circle, junior Hollly Wiles sent a ball toward the cage looking for a redirect. Hajjar was there to tip home the ball for her first tally of the game.

The Great Danes controlled play for the majority of the opening half, but the teams would enter the break knotted at 1-1.

Spuehler took over in the second half, having a hand in three straight goals to seal the victory.

Just under nine minutes into the latter half, the Terriers had an extended possession in the Albany zone and took a lead they would never relinquish. From the left side, sophomore Suus Dekker sent the ball to the top of the circle, where Spuehler received the ball and eluded a defender before slamming a shot to the left corner to make it a 2-1 contest.

Spuehler was the catalyst for the Terriers' final two goals, setting up opportunities in front of the cage with circle penetrations from the right side. First for Hajjar at the 57:37 mark and then for Hamada in at 65:58.

Each time, Spuehler brought the ball into the circle and dribbled along the right side before feeding her teammate in front of the near post. Hajjar simply redirected past Albany netminder Ashley Ross, while Hamada collected the ball before sending it to the boards.

The Terrier defense allowed just one shot on goal in the second half, despite giving up five corners, to help ensure the seventh league title in school history.

Albany held a 9-7 lead in shots for the game and had a 9-3 advantage in corners.

Freshman goalkeeper Kim Kastuk made three saves for the Terriers, while Ross recorded one stop.

Spuehler was joined on the All-Championship Team by classmate Sarah Shute, junior Holly Wiles and Dekker.

The Terriers, who will make their 10th appearance in the NCAA tournament, will learn their first-round opponent when the bracket is announced live on CSTV this Tuesday (Nov. 6) at 8 p.m.