Undefeated through 13 games to start the season and looking better than ever, second-ranked Boston College lacrosse (13-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast) will take on No. 16 Duke (6-2, 1-0) in North Carolina on Saturday afternoon. BC has seemed impossible to defeat, rolling over opponents en route to the longest win streak in program history. With its premier offense and stellar defense, it should be looking forward to its matchup with the Blue Devils—optimistic for another conference win.
Who is BC playing?
Duke
When is BC playing?
Saturday, April 7, 12 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Koskinen Stadium, Durham, N.C.
How to Watch:
The game will be broadcasted on ACC Network Extra and can be livestreamed on WatchESPN.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) Sam Apuzzo has led the way for the Eagles—she leads the nation with 77 points and 53 goals, and additionally is ranked 13th with 24 assists. Not far behind is teammate Dempsey Arsenault in ninth, posting 55 points with 38 goals.
2) BC’s offense and defense are both on fire. It leads the nation with 16.9 goals per game while the defense ranks eighth, allowing just 9.1 goals per game. The Eagles have given up 12 or fewer goals in all but one game, while also holding their opponents to nine or fewer goals in six games.
3) They are only one of just two teams to rank in the top ten nationally in both their scoring offense and scoring defense. They also rank second in scoring margin, with a 7.77 mark.
Duke:
1) Charlotte North leads Duke with 41 goals and 46 points in her freshman season. Olivia Jenner is close behind with 23 goals and 31 points, as well as eight assists and an ACC-best 97 draw controls.
2) Olivia Jenner consistently picks up draw controls, posting 303 over her career—just the 18th player in NCAA Division I history to reach the 300 draw-control mark.
3) Maddie Crutchfield is one of just 28 players in program history to have 100 or more career ground balls. She ranks 13th all-time with 109 draws in her four seasons at Duke and has 140 career points.
Last Meeting:
The Eagles and the Blue Devils last met on April 8, 2017, where Duke won 15-12. BC kept Duke from scoring in the first 15 minutes of the game, but the Blue Devils came back in the second half, outscoring the Eagles with seven different players finding the net. The Eagles are just 2-14 all-time against Duke, with a 2-10 mark in ACC regular-season play. Duke has won the last three meetings with the Eagles.
BC wins if…
It continues to bring its top-notch offense to the field and Apuzzo and Arsenault pave the way. Duke’s defense has been strong, but if the Eagles can find the net and get past Gabbe Cadoux, Duke’s leading goalkeeper, they will manage to get enough points on the board to overcome another ranked opponent. BC also needs to focus on gaining as many ground balls and draw controls as it can, as well as keep a close eye on North and Jenner, who could prove to be troublesome for BC’s defense.
BC loses if…
It can’t get past the Blue Devils’ defense and be effective on offense, with the help of Apuzzo and Arsenault. North has been a valuable player for Duke, consistently finding the net and racking up points, which could be a threat to the Eagles if they can’t put a stop to her. If they lose momentum on offense and slip-up on defense, they could have a tough time defeating Duke—especially in Durham—on Saturday afternoon.
Featured Image by Andy Backstrom / Heights Editor
