Lacrosse Team Continues Best Start In History

Persistent rain could not stop the Boston College women's lacrosse team from getting off to its best start in the history of the program. The Eagles are now 5-0 after beating Virginia Tech at Newton Campus Field, 14-9, on Saturday.

The win matches the Eagles' longest winning streak since 2003. They have been dominant over this five-game stretch, outscoring their opponents 86-29.

BC got off to a quick start on Saturday, jumping to a 4-0 advantage behind goals from Lauren Costello, Mary Stinson, Brooke Blue, and Sam Taylor. Shannon Bone scored a goal for the Hokies before the Eagles answered with goals by Costello and Kate Collins to take a 6-1 lead.

Virginia Tech scored three goals midway through the first half to cut BC's lead to 6-4. Blue answered for the Eagles, though, scoring two goals in one minute to help BC go into halftime with an 8-5 lead.

Costello opened the half with two goals in 40 seconds to put BC up 10-5. Emile Hunter scored for Virginia Tech, but the Hokies were never able to cut into the lead as BC answered each of their goals. Kristin Igoe scored two goals, and Costello and Blue each recorded another tally.

BC goalie Sheila Serafino made three saves to record the win, as the Eagles held a slight three-goal advantage in shots. This season, they have outshot their opponents, 151-78, with Serafino saving 25 of the attempts on goal.

Costello's five goals give her 128 for her career, moving her within two goals of former teammate Jenna McCabe for fifth on the all-time scoring list. Costello also recorded an assist, which put her closer to overtaking Courtney Legath for second on that list. The senior attack, who has 60 career assists, is five away from catching Legath.

Costello has been a driving force for the Eagles all season, leading the team in points with 16 goals and 15 assists. Against Jacksonville, she led the team's offense with four goals and six assists. Costello continued her all-around excellent play against Siena, scoring three goals and dishing out four assists. Taylor and Blue added four goals each to help BC win convincingly, 20-5, over the Saints.

Blue has had a strong start to her freshman year, leading the team in goals with 21 in total, while also handing out five assists. In the first game of her career, against Bryant, she scored five goals to lead the team. In the next game, against Canisius, she scored six goals and the team scored 13 straight in the second half.

The Eagles have been successful, in large part, due to their scoring depth and a well-rounded offense, with goals from 11 different players. They will look to continue their winning streak with away games against Holy Cross and Maryland this week. BC will take on the 2-4 Crusaders on Wednesday, followed by a match-up against the No. 2 Terrapins Saturday.