After a 4-3, come-from-behind overtime victory against California last Saturday, Boston College field hockey looks to take advantage of home field it hosts No. 1 North Carolina. Perfect through 13 games, the Tar Heels (13-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast) are the only remaining undefeated team in Division I. Despite the tall task, the No. 12 Eagles (8-4, 2-2) will be up for the challenge, having proven that they can stick with some of the tougher teams in the nation.
Who is BC playing?
North Carolina
When is BC playing?
Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:05 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Boston College Field Hockey Complex, Newton, Mass.
How to Watch/Listen:
The game can be watched on ACC Network Extra.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) The Eagles are currently 4-0 at home this season, a mark that includes two wins against conference opponents. They’ll have a tall task ahead of them in order to sustain their perfect home record, though.
2) Last weekend, BC played two games, against Syracuse and California respectively, both of which went to overtime. The Eagles are 2-2 in overtime games overall this season, while their visitors have yet to play past regulation.
3) Frederique Haverhals has scored four goals in the past two games, including a hat trick last week against Cal. Meanwhile, Brigid Wood assisted three of the four goals against Cal.
North Carolina:
1) Amanda Hendry, the Tar Heels goalie, leads the nation in save percentage with a .852 percentage. Hendry hasn’t given up more than one goal in any game this season and has seven shutouts.
2) UNC has scored at least five goals in each of its past four games. Throughout the whole season, the Tar Heels have scored less than three goals in only three games. Not only does UNC have a stifling defense, but its offense produces at a high level.
3) Unsurprisingly, the Tar Heels have the highest scoring margin in the nation. UNC wins by an average of 4.27 goals per game. UConn, the second highest, wins by just three goals per game.
Last Meeting:
Boston College lost to the Tar Heels, 2-1, in overtime in their last meeting, which took place last season. Goalie Sarah Dwyer made a career-high nine saves in this matchup, a mark that she has since matched twice. Dwyer’s impressive performance will likely need to be replicated this season, as she’ll be tasked with turning away an even more potent offense.
Outlook:
The Eagles will really need to fight to keep it close, having already posted a 4-4 mark in games separated by just one goal. Meanwhile, UNC has played in just two such games, both of which came within the first three games of the season. The Eagles are much more experienced playing in tight games than the Tar Heels. UNC has been dominant on both sides of the ball so far this season, though, so the Tar Heels could run away with this if the offense produces. The Tar Heels statistically have the best goalie in the nation. If UNC can give Hendry offensive support, the Tar Heels’ undefeated season will continue.
Featured Image by Bridget DiPatri / Heights Staff
