The Terriers faced the Eagles of Boston College in their first scrimmage of the season on Sunday, September 13. After two weeks of tough physical conditioning, BU was ready for the challenge, but never matched BC’s intensity and physicality during the game. The first 3 quarters of the game saw the Eagles establish and steadily increase their lead, with many goals coming off quick counterattacks that split the defense and left junior Thomas Willwerth exposed. The 4th quarter, however, saw senior Joshua McDonough and sophomore Blake Hallisey come alive, leading the Terriers to a 5-0 shutout quarter. The 18-5 final score was indicative of the incisive BC offense and the situational defensive work that needs to be practiced by BU.
Many new players, including those with no prior water polo experience, were given game time during the scrimmage vs. Boston College. This game was a great first experience for these players and returning players alike, and it highlights the work that still needs to be done for BU.
Boston University’s second scrimmage of the season came later in the afternoon on Sunday, September 13 vs. Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The newly formed WPI team showed great team spirit throughout the afternoon, and BU learned valuable game lessons after its scrimmage with BC, which were applied in the game against WPI. Senior Joshua McDonough and sophomore Blake Hallisey once again led the scoring for the Terriers, with contributions also coming from the whole complement of the team. The final score of 15-9 was a fair reflection of BU’s explosive 2nd and 3rd quarters, with WPI pulling a few goals back in the 4th quarter.
The Terriers will return to the pool this week for more conditioning work, with more time devoted to game drills and scrimmaging in the near future.
