After losing a pair of tight decisions against ranked opponents at the ACC/Big Ten Cup, Boston College field hockey looks to turn its fortunes around in its home opener against No. 18 Wake Forest. The Eagles (1-2) found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline against No. 4 Maryland and No.12 Northwestern over the weekend, and their schedule doesn’t get any easier with the Demon Deacons (1-3) coming to town. Wake Forest already has an upset win over No. 5 Michigan to its name.
Who is BC playing?
Wake Forest
When is BC playing?
Friday, Sep. 7, 6 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
BC Field Hockey Complex, Newton, Mass.
How to Watch:
Live stats for the game will be provided by Sidearm Stats.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) While the Eagles have traditionally struggled against Wake Forest, they have beaten them in two of the last three meetings, first in double overtime at the ACC Championships in 2015, and then in a home conference game in 2016.
2) Friday’s encounter will be BC’s third of five consecutive games against ranked opponents. After playing Wake Forest, the Eagles have a home date with No. 21 Albany before traveling to No. 8 Louisville for their first ACC road game.
3) Senior captain Frederique Haverhals is second on the team in minutes played with 215, and she is tied for the team lead in goals with two thus far this season.
Wake Forest:
1) The Demon Deacons own the edge in this ACC rivalry. They have an all-time record of 17-4 against BC and are 4-3 on the Eagles’ home field.
2) Wake Forest has already played against three ranked teams this season. It owns a record of 1-2 in those contests, having beaten No. 5 Michigan while losing to No. 20 Iowa and No. 10 Princeton.
3) Only three Demon Deacons players have recorded a goal this fall. Julie Grashoff paces the team with two, while Alexis Grippo and Megan Anderson have one apiece.
Last Meeting:
Wake Forest and BC last met in 2017 on the Demon Deacons’ home field. Wake Forest outshot the Eagles 14-4 and enjoyed an 8-2 advantage in corners, en route to a convincing 3-0 win.
Outlook:
Though Wake Forest has historically had the upper edge against BC, this is a perfect opportunity for BC to grab a win over the Demon Deacons. Wake has managed just four goals in four games—albeit against a tough schedule—and comes into Friday’s game having been held scoreless in its last two. Much of Friday’s result will depend on how BC’s defense fares against Grashoff, Wake Forest’s main attacking threat and the team’s leading scorer from last season. Contain her, and the Eagles should feel good about their chances in their home opener.
Featured Image by Celine Lim / Heights Editor
