Offensive Power Showcased in Scrimmage

NEWTON, Mass. - The Boston College field hockey team took to the field a week before the 2017 season opener against a squad other than itself for a preseason scrimmage against UMass Lowell on Friday afternoon. With intermittent periods of rain failing at the Newton Campus Field Hockey Complex, the Eagles scored eight unanswered goals, including five in the first half, and shut out the River Hawks on the defensive end.

Head coach Kelly Doton was pleased with her team's effort in its first action against an opponent in 2017.

"We had some really general expectations. We really tried to work on the technical aspects that we have been working on all week," Doton said. "It was the first time playing together and against competition so we have some things we need to fix but overall, I am really pleased with their energy. We moved the ball really well. They're fit so we utilized the full width and depth of the field. I asked the team if we're better today than we were yesterday. The answer to that is yes and tomorrow I am going to ask them the same exact thing. It was a good start to the season and we look forward to BU on Sunday."

Senior Brooke Matherson led the way for the Eagles with two goals and two assists. Junior Lucy Lytle notched two scores and classmate Frederique Haverhals notched three points with a goal and an assist.

It was the first time the BC freshmen showed off their skills while wearing the Maroon and Gold. Jaime Natale scored the first goal of the game less than three minutes into the exhibition with a direct shot into the low corner of the cage. Classmate Caroline McGovern followed it up two minutes later with a reverse on a corner opportunity after BC's initial shot was blocked.

Lytle tipped one over the UML goalkeeper's stick off Matherson's initial shot at the 27:35 mark before freshman Elizabeth Warner scored off a centered pass from Matherson.

The rain started falling with 15 minutes to play in the half but the Eagles got one more before the horn sounded. Matherson scored on a tip in from Haverhal's shot on another corner attempt.

Haverhals showed off her driving ability by nailing the back of the cage on a direct shot in a BC corner with just over 10 minutes gone in the second half. Junior Elizabeth Dennehy fired one on goal three minutes later that Lytle tipped.

The River Hawks got off their first shot attempt of the game with just over 15 minutes to play in the second half. They were awarded a corner as the ball was blocked, but could not capitalize. Sophomore goalie Sarah Dwyer stayed upright for the game and did not see a shot on goal.

Matherson scored the final goal of the day off a rebound with 8:05 remaining and rain letting up

The Eagles travel down Commonwealth Ave. for a preseason exhibition against Boston University on Sunday at 6 p.m. They open the 2017 season on Friday, Aug. 25 by hosting Quinnipiac at 5 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Elizabeth Dennehy

Sarah Dwyer

Frederique Haverhals

Lucy Lytle

Brooke Matherson

Caroline McGovern

Jaime Natale

Elizabeth Warner