Though Boston College field hockey’s roster lists Sky Caron as a defender, it’s no secret the junior provides the Eagles with plenty of offensive firepower as well. In the second quarter of BC’s Wednesday matchup against Providence, Caron received the ball inside the circle and wound up for a powerful reverse chip. The ball had eyes for the back of the net as it sailed toward the top left corner, ricocheted off both goalposts, and landed behind Providence goaltender Asia Porter.
Caron’s goal was the eventual game-winner for No. 10 BC (8-5, 2-4 Atlantic Coast), which took down the Friars (2-7) in a decisive fashion, 2-0. The Eagles’ defense starred, only allowing two shots on the net of goaltender Jonna Kennedy, who got a well-deserved break after recording a career-high 21 saves in BC’s last contest.
“It’s always a tough game when we go down to Providence and play the Friars,” BC head coach Kelly Doton said in an email to The Heights. “We wanted to get off to a quick start and put one on the board early, and I thought we had some great opportunities in the first quarter.”
The Eagles set the tone early on, but strong play by Porter meant BC couldn’t convert any of its five first-quarter shots. BC’s forwards peppered Porter with shots throughout the game, displaying remarkable accuracy. Six different Eagles combined for 20 shots, 19 of which were on goal. Corner opportunities were also skewed largely in BC’s favor—the Eagles earned nine compared to the Friars’ two.
Much like Caron, BC forwards Margo Carlin and Jaime Natale displayed their versatility in Wednesday’s battle. The two were aggressive on Providence’s defenders all game and forced a number of turnovers through midfield. In addition to their defensive efforts, Carlin and Natale combined for eight shots.
Caron’s first goal was enough to secure the win for her team, but with 37 seconds remaining in the third quarter, BC was awarded a penalty stroke. Again, Caron delivered. She rocketed a shot into the bottom left corner and sealed the win for the Eagles.
Kennedy, recently named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week and NFHCA Division I Defensive Player of the Week, recorded her second straight shutout. Since she didn’t appear against then-No. 1 Louisville on March 27, Kennedy is 3-1—the only blemish on her resume being a 1-0 setback against then-No. 14 Virginia.
“The team kept fighting and that second goal was an important one,” Doton said in the email. “We will hopefully use this momentum heading into our last game of the season vs Duke on Senior Day.”
Featured Image by Nicole Vagra / Heights Staff
