Judging by the cooler weather, increase of school work, and emergence of pumpkin spice flavored iced-lattes it appears that fall as finally arrived in Boston. This means one thing: CWPA New England Conference Men’s League Play!
This season, the New England Conference is looking as strong as ever with the reemergence of Boston College after their one year hiatus and the departure of Williams College. As usual Yale, Dartmouth and BU are all contending for the top spot, with Wesleyan and Middlebury not far behind. As usual, BU left the first weekend of competition with a record of 2-2
The Terriers’ first game was against the weekend’s host, Yale. As always Yale proved to be a formidable foe for the Terriers on Saturday. BU was able to stay close for most of the game, but unable to convert valuable 6-on-5 opportunities into goals Yale eventually won the game 12-6.
A little over two hours later, BU was back in the pool this time facing Dartmouth. Despite Dartmouth’s superior speed, BU was able to keep the game extremely close with an aggressive press defense. After exchanging the lead multiple times during the first three quarters, Dartmouth finally pulled away in the fourth quarter beating the aggressive terriers 11-7.
Not disheartened by their first two losses, BU returned back to the Robert J.H. Kiphuth Exhibition Pool for their third game of the day. Playing a self-coached Wesleyan, BU jumped to an early 4-0 lead in the first quarter. Wesleyan, not one to go down easy, sprang back in the second quarter to shut down BU’s offense and take the lead 5-4. After a half-time pep talk from new Head Coach, Konrad Szupinski, the team returned to pool determined to garner their first victory of the season. Through an increased offensive effort and intense press defense, the Terriers were able to regain the lead and hold it, winning 12-8.
After a good night’s rest, BU finished their season opening weekend with an early Sunday morning game versus Middlebury College. Looking to clamp down on malicious game-play, the referees punished BU early for their aggressive style of defense. With hole-set Austin Brashears rolled-out, and Assistant Coach, Rebecca Crastnopol issued a yellow card, both within the first 2:30 of the game, things were not looking bright for BU. But, through the offensive efforts of David Saxon, Andrew Matsas, Kyle Schluns, Jeremy Butz, as well as superb hole-defense by Kevin Chu, BU was able to pull through and gain a second victory besting Middlebury 13-7.
BU returns to play next weekend, when they travel back to the Nutmeg State, this time to participate in the Connecticut College Invitational. Be sure to check back here for updates as well as follow us on Twitter at @buWaterPolo #iswearitsworthit.
