Cambridge, Mass. ? The top-seeded Boston University field hockey team defeated the University of New Hampshire 3-0 in semifinal action of the 2004 America East Championship, advancing to the title game for the first time in four years. The Terriers, who have won three conference titles, play second-seeded Northeastern University, a 2-1 winner over the University of Maine in the other semifinal, Sunday at 11:30 a.m. also at Jack Barry Field. The Huskies have won three-straight league crowns and a conference-best nine titles in the 15-year history of the championship.

Boston University took a 2-0 lead to the halftime break as it started and closed the first half on high notes. Just over five minutes into the game, the Terriers struck first as Lauren Vendetti netted her 11th goal of the season off assists from Colleen McClay and Jen Joyce at 5:13. The score remained at 1-0 for the next 24-plus minutes until Boston U. added another goal with just over five minutes remaining in the period. This time it was Hadley Adams who sent a Adrienne Scibilia pass to the back of the cage at 29:22 to give the Terriers a commanding 2-0 lead.

The Terriers added another goal in the second half as 2004 America East Rookie of the Year Pam Spuehler scored an unassisted goal at the 45:28 mark. Erin Prediger recorded five save in net for Boston University as the Terriers recorded their fifth shutout in tournament history and their first since 1999.

New Hampshire’s season comes to an end with a 4-16 mark, while Boston University improves to 13-6 overall on the 2004 campaign.

Boston University and Northeastern have squared off seven times in postseason history with the Huskies holding a 5-2 edge over the Terriers. NU also owns a 3-2 mark versus Boston U. in the title game as well. This season, however, the Terriers defeated Northeastern 2-0 in America East action to clinch the regular season conference title and the top-seed for the league championship.

The America East champion earns the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Field Hockey Championship.

Scoring
Boston U.-Lauren Vendetti (Colleen McClay, Jen Joyce), 5:13
Boston U.-Hadley Adams (Adrienne Scibilia), 29:22
Boston U.-Pam Spuehler (unassisted), 45:28

Shots
New Hampshire: 12
Boston U.: 21

Penalty Corners
New Hampshire: 5
Boston U.: 8

Saves
New Hampshire: Christine Buckley (70:00, 10 saves)
Boston U.: Erin Prediger (70:00, 5 saves)