UAlbany Field Hockey Advances to America East Conference Championship Final with 1-0 Triumph

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior Michele Polizois scored the game’s lone goal to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Boston University in the semifinal round of the America East Conference Field Hockey Championship at Alumni Turf Field on Friday, Nov. 7.

The Great Danes converted their third penalty corner of the first half, with junior defender Jess Lindsey making the pass out to Polizois at the top of the circle. Polizois drove the ball straight into the cage, getting the ball past Boston U. goalkeeper Kim Kastuk on the left side, for her 14th goal of the season.

UAlbany held onto its advantage for the remainder of the game, despite several chances by Boston U. in the second half. The Terriers, who outshot UAlbany, 9-6, in the game, spent most of the final period in their offensive half, but could not capitalize on several penalty corner opportunities in the waning minutes.

“We have competed hard with them for four years, so it feels great to be in the championship,” said Polizois, who was voted the America East defensive player of the year earlier this week. “My adrenaline was flowing and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of our fans. We will have to play our game (on Sunday) by possessing the ball, being calm and talking to each other.”

Boston U. (10-10) held an 8-4 advantage in penalty corners, including 6-1 in the second half. Kastuk made four saves in the cage for the Terriers, who had won the previous three conference championships. UAlbany’s defense held strong throughout the game, anchored by senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross, who stopped both of Boston U.’s shots on goal.

UAlbany (11-9) advances to Sunday’s championship game, and will face the winner of the second semifinal game between second-seeded New Hampshire and No. 3 Maine. The America East championship, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line, will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m.

#4 Boston U. (10-10) 0 0 - 0
#1 UAlbany (11-9) 1 0 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (1-0), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeeping: Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

Boston U.:Scoring – None. Goalkeeping: Kim Kastuk (70:00, 1 GA, 4 saves.