Courtesy of Boston University Athletic Communications
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Senior Pam Spuehler (Sudbury, Mass.) set up sophomore Gabby Hajjar's (Ottawa Hills, Ohio) game-winning goal with just over three minutes left in regulation and also added the first goal of the game, helping the 20th-ranked Boston University field hockey team post a thrilling 2-1 victory over No. 17 Providence on Tuesday evening at Jack Barry Field.
The Terriers are 2-0 to start a season for the first time in four years, while the Friars dropped to 0-2.
After the Friars knotted up the game at 1-1 with just under 12 minutes left in regulation, the Terriers turned up the energy on their attack and were rewarded in the late stages.
Spuehler collected the ball outside the circle and penetrated through the defense before sending a perfect cross to an open Hajjar, who tucked home the pass near the left post with 3:05 left in regulation.
Spuehler had a hand in both BU goals, as she broke a scoreless tie in the 47th minute off a broken corner. Sophomore Suus Dekker (Rotterdam, Holland) picked up a loose ball following an insert and drove into the circle just off to the right before drilling an entry to the far post, where Spuehler was there for a redirect.
Providence tied up the game at the 58:19 mark off a short corner, as sophomore Nellie Poulin was positioned in front of the cage to redirect in a shot by senior Michalagh Stoddard from the top of the circle.
The Terriers had the majority of scoring chances in the opening half, but settled for a scoreless tie heading into the break. BU's defense did not allow a shot in the first half.
Freshman goalkeeper Kim Kastuk (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) recorded two saves to earn her second win in four days. For the Friars, sophomore Rachel Chamberlain also made two stops.
The Terriers recorded eight shots to Friars' five, while Providence held a slim 5-4 advantage in penalty corners.
BU will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 1, when it travels to East Lansing, Mich., to take on Miami (OH) in a neutral-site contest on the campus of Michigan State. Game time is set for 1 p.m. The Terriers will be in search of their first 3-0 start since the 1993 season.