Just the Beginning: The Future is Bright for Boston College Women's Lacrosse

BC made an unexpected run to the title game this season, but don't expect these Eagles to fade away any time soon.   Photo by John Quackenbos, via BCEagles.com

By Marisa Ingemi (@Marisa_Ingemi)

FOXBORO - With a title on the line, the Boston College Eagles women’s lacrosse team left it all on the field. Cutting the deficit to as close as a single tally in the second half, the Eagles just couldn’t get past the undefeated Maryland Terrapins.

While the Eagles will lose senior goalkeeper Zoe Ochoa, who returned to the contest in the second half Sunday, BC still has the pieces to make another memorable run next season.

“I think we're in good hands,” said head coach Acaica Walker. “The underclassmen have been taught a lot by the seniors. Just how to dig deep. How to come together, really, and a lot of adversity that we've seen this year. They were so good. They're such good leaders and I know our underclassmen are well battle tested on the field and off the field. So I'm looking forward to the future.”

Led by junior Kenzie Kent and her ten points, the Eagles offense was able to put up a valiant effort against one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Paired against Nadie Hadnagy, a Tewaaraton finalist, Kent was still able to put up a performance enough to earn the nod for the most outstanding player in the tournament.

Next season, Kent will return to look to lead the Eagles back to not only this spot, but back to the Frozen Four as well with the women’s hockey team.

“Obviously no one expected us to be here,” said Kent. “Personally, this might not sound too good, after I lost in the Frozen Four, I couldn't be more excited, for some reason, this year more than others, to join the team. Obviously we lost today, but it's a cool experience, it's been amazing, especially with this team. It's been a really special one.”

Maryland couldn’t help but take note of Kent’s performance.

“Boston College is a different team with her than they are early in the season while she's still competing in hockey,” said Terps coach Cathy Reece. “She's tough to defend. She's got great field vision. When you watch her play, she can see the field really well and she can find her open teammates.

“But obviously she's crucial, and critical to their success. She's been a big part of where they were able to go this season.”

Sam Apuzzo ended up leading the nation in goals with 80, and will return next season as a junior.

“Something ignites in her when you put a Lacrosse stick in her hands,” said Walker. “So she just loves the game. She plays really hard for her teammates and she's funny and quirky. Her teammates love her. I think they love when she does well. So she's a special kid. I'm really excited for her.”

Even with a loss in the title game, BC was able to take away plenty of positives. To compete with an undefeated team was something not even fourth seed Penn State could do on Friday night.

Next season, the Eagles have what it takes to return with a vengeance.

“I'm really excited for the confidence it will give them, because that's what we're trying to do,” Walker said. “We're trying to make these girls confident women to go out and change the world once they're done at BC. So I think it's something they'll remember forever. I think that maybe now they'll think that they're good, because I think they're so humble sometimes I have to shake them and be like you guys are great. Look at what you've done. Listen to the crowd. Half of that crowd, that's for you.”