WSOC: Terriers take on No. 2 Bucknell in Patriot League Semifinals

A Patriot League tournament rematch between the Boston University Terriers and Bucknell Bison is set for tomorrow’s semifinal game at Navy’s Glenn Warner Soccer Facility at 7:35 p.m. The two teams battled to a 2-1 decision in overtime during last year’s seasons finale, with the Bison coming out on top as Patriot League Champions.

Boston University has grown a rivalry with Bucknell over the past few seasons, losing to them away this year in regular season play.

“We have another chance at playing a team (Bucknell) that got the best of us in the regular season and we're going to try to make the most of it,” said team tri-captain Jacki Carty.

Bucknell’s star player, Kendall Ham, is tied for the league in goals and ranks third all-time on Bucknell's scoring list, posing a threat to the powerful Terrier defense. The two-time Patriot League Defender of the Year and tri-captain, Rachel Bloznalis, explained that even with Bucknell’s strong attack and second place finish in the Patriot League, the Terriers will stay focused on coming out on top while playing their best.

“The most important thing for us going into the semifinal on Friday is staying poised and confident,” said Bloznalis. “If we do that, we will play our style of soccer and take care business.”

Tuesday’s quarterfinal game against Lafayette was the first time the Terriers had not gotten a bye into the semifinals since joining the Patriot League in 2013, coming in third place at the end of regular season. Boston University defeated Lafayette off a header goal from Jacki Carty. Carty was able to put the ball into the back of the net as a result of a corner kick in the beginning of the second half. Carty has scored an impressive three goals in the last five games, peaking at the perfect time of postseason play. For the senior, scoring at their last home game on Nickerson Field in Boston was unforgettable.

“It felt awesome to win a Patriot League tournament game in front of our fans and on our home turf,” Carty said. “I had always hoped for a moment like that (goal) but it was even better than I could have ever imagined. I was just so happy to put one away and help put this team into a good position to head into the next round.”

The Terriers left today to travel to Annapolis, Maryland, giving their bodies limited time to adequately recover from their previous game. Bloznalis explained that in preparation for the quick turnaround, the team had a recovery day on Wednesday, completing an upper body lift to get moving and then a flush on the bike to get ready for the flight and prepare for Friday.

For the Upton, MA, native, playing at Navy for her last Patriot League Tournament has more meaning than years before.

“I am excited to play at Navy because my first Patriot League tournament and conference title was at Navy my freshman year, so it will be full circle for me.”

Bloznalis has been the key defensive player for the Terriers this season, accumulating numerous accolades during her career, including being selected as a second team NSCAA Scholar All-American last year.

With the defensive line in-tact, Bloznalis and Carty hope that offensive efforts will put their team ahead of the Bucknell early.

The Terriers will look to break down the Bison’s defense, using players like Anna Heilferty, the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, to their advantage. The game will be a hard fought match, as it is the first time the two teams have met in the semifinals of Patriot League tournament. If Boston University is able to win the match, head coach Nancy Feldman will only be two wins away from her 300th career victory with the Terriers.

The team’s belief system in one another and their goals has gotten them to this point, according to Carty, and they aren’t planning on having it end anytime soon.

“Right now our goal is to win the Patriot League tournament. We know there are several steps to get there and we have a lot of work left to do but I have all the faith in the world in this team,” said Carty. “We've had a lot of tough games this season and to see it come full circle would be the best feeling in the world!”

Watch the action live here!

Check out a fan's reaction to Carty's game-winner below!