BOSTON -- The Huskies are back in Dedham as the Northeastern field hockey team begins a five-game home stand this weekend, beginning on Friday night against Hofstra in the CAA opener for both squads. On Sunday, NU welcomes its second nationally ranked opponent to Dedham Field when crosstown rival No. 9 Boston College visits for a 2 p.m. showdown.
For Northeastern students interested in attending either game this weekend, shuttle buses will depart from Chicken Lou's one hour and 30 minutes prior to the start of the game, and return to campus following the game.
Last time out
A career-high 11 saves from freshman goalkeeper
Becky Garner, including seven in the first half, was not enough as Michigan State scored late in the first half before adding an insurance marker in the second to down NU on Friday afternoon at Trager Stadium, 2-0.
Two days later, the Huskies took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from
Lindsay Bennett in the fourth minute, but No. 19 Louisville answered with a pair of goals in the final 15 minutes of regulation to top Northeastern, 2-1.
Huskies in conference openers
Historically, the Huskies have gotten off to strong starts in the first game of the conference schedule, going 16-8 all-time. Prior to joining the CAA, NU was 7-2 in America East league openers, as well as a 7-0 mark in North Atlantic play. Northeastern will be looking to improve on its 2-6 mark in CAA openers on Friday.
Murtagh collects No. 350 at NU
NU's 5-0 win against Dartmouth on Sept. 13 marked a milestone in the illustrious career of head coach
Cheryl Murtagh, who secured her 350th career victory at Northeastern. Murtagh is 367-209-13 in 28-plus seasons as a collegiate head coach, including a 350-194-10 mark on Huntington Ave.
Murtagh, who was inducted into the NFHCA Hall of Fame last season, began the 2013 campaign ranked eighth in the nation in career victories among active Division I head coaches.
Garner-ing attention
Freshmen goalkeeper
Becky Garner has earned the start in the cage in all seven of Northeastern's matches so far this season. The Somerset, England native is 32nd in the nation with a goals against average of 1.88, while her .759 save percentage is 27th in the country. Garner is also ranked among CAA goalkeepers in both categories, and is tied for third in the league with 41 saves.
Rookies off to a hot start
After the departure of its top two scorers from last season, including two-time All-American
Crystal Poland, Northeastern welcomes 11 freshmen to the 2013 squad. The group, made up of five forwards, three midfielders, two back and one goalkeeper is tied with Lock Haven, Michigan State and Sacred Heart for the most true freshmen in the nation.
A little help from my friends
Through seven games this season, the Huskies have recorded five defensive saves, which is second in the conference and sixth in the nation. Freshman
Jessica Unger leads the team with two defensive saves, while
Alyssa Carlson,
Laura Dimitruk and
Zoe Kale have all recorded one.
Scouting Hofstra
A 3-6 Hofstra squad rolls into CAA play looking for its first road win and snap a two-game losing streak. The Pride has been outscored 9-1 in their last two contests, and are coming off a 5-1 loss at Massachusetts on Sept. 22. The Huskies have owned the all-time series with a record of 14-4. Hofstra will be looking to avenge their 7-1 loss in their last meeting with the Huskies on Oct. 19, 2012.
A pair of scorers has led the offense for the Pride this season with six goals, apiece. Freshman midfielder/forward Stella Schoen has compiled six goals and four assists for a team-leading 16 points, while junior forward Jonel Boileau has added two assists to her six goals for 14 points.
Senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn DeTuro has played every minute for Hofstra this season. She has allowed 28 goals on 65 shots for a 3.05 goals against average and a .699 save percentage in 643 minutes of play.
Scouting No. 9 Boston College
The Eagles have had a great start to the season, outscoring opponents 40-17 while compiling a 7-1 record. They are riding a three-game winning streak after a 2-0 shutout of Providence on Sept. 22. Northeastern holds the edge in the all-time series with a record of 22-12-1, but has dropped eight of its last nine contests with BC. The last five matches between the two teams have been decided by a single goal.
Three BC players have recorded at least five goals this season. Junior midfielder Emmy Plasteras has led the way with six goals and six assists for 18 points. A pair of freshmen twin sisters have been a huge addition to the Eagles offense. Forward Eryn McCoy has scored six goals for 12 points, while sister Emily has added five goals and an assist for 11 points.
Sophomore goalkeeper Leah Settipane has played 555:31 for the Eagles this season. She has posted a 1.89 goals against average and a .769 save percentage while adding two shutouts.
The road ahead
Northeastern will continue play against some of the nation's elite teams next week when the Huskies welcome No. 7 Massachusetts to Dedham Field on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The Minutewomen leads the all-time series against the Huskies at 16-6-1, but it was NU which pulled out a 4-3 overtime victory last season in Amherst, Mass.
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