Boston College Athletics
Women's Soccer Has No. 1 Defense In The Country
October 03, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2007
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - No. 9 Boston College remains one of only three teams in the nation that is unbeaten in Division 1 competition. The Eagles (7-0-2), along with BYU and Villanova, have not suffered a loss this season.
Much of the credit lies in the Eagles team defense. The Boston College defense leads the nation in Goals-Against Average (0.106), Save Percentage (0.963), and is second in Shutout Percentage (8 shutouts, 0.889). The team is also fifth in the country in Win-Lost-Tie Percentage (0.889, 7-0-2).
""We are excited to be leading the nation in goals-against-average. What makes the stat impressive is that we go out to attack every time we play; we are not a team that will sit back and defend, we have averaged nearly 20 shots a game," said Boston College head coach Alison Kulik. "It is a credit to our entire team as defending is a mentality that is shown everyday in practice; this carries into games, starting with the forwards and working its way down."
Prior to the season much of the talk about the team centered around, how Boston College would replace the six graduating seniors, including the ACC Defender of the Year, Laura Georges.
The Eagles defenders - junior Kerri McNicholas, junior Caroline Walden, Brianna Wilson-Byrne and freshman Hannah Cerrone along with seniors Kelly McGrane and Kia McNeill - have proven they are up to the challenge. The backline has allowed only 50 shots in nine games.
"Our back line has been outstanding, they have not only done a great job in their defending, but they have been critical in creating our offense," said Kulik.
Junior goalkeeper Sarah Buonomo is also making an impact on the national scene. A native of Churchville, PA, Buonomo leads the nation in Goals Against Average (0.112) and is second in Save Percentage (0.962).
Buonomo has played 805 minutes and has allowed only one goal all season. She now has seven shutouts, six consecutive this season. Buonomo has played 535 minutes without giving up a goal.
"Sarah has been excellent in goal for us,'' said Kulik. "She has made some big saves for us this year, but just as important to our success has been organization of the defense and her alertness off her line."
BC's Weekend
No. 9 Boston College will host Duke on Friday, October 5 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, October 7, the Eagles will host No. 25 Wake Forest at 1 p.m. Both games are at the Newton Soccer Field on Newton Campus.
The Eagles lost to both teams last season. Against Duke on September 28, Boston College lost 1-0 in a game halted numerous times throughout the match due to rain and lightning. The Eagles gave up a goal with two minutes to play.
On October 1, 2006, the Eagles lost 2-0 to Wake Forest, in Winston-Salem. Sarah Buonomo had six saves and the Eagles had 14 shots but could not score.
BC vs. Duke
(Duke leads the series, 1-3)
Sept. 28, 2006 - Duke 1, BC 0
Nov. 2, 2005 - Duke 2, BC 0
Sept. 30, 2005 - BC 1, Duke 0
Sept. 1990 - Duke 3, BC 0
BC vs. Wake Forest
(Wake Forest leads the series, 0-2)
October 1, 2006 - Wake Forest 2, BC 0
October 2, 2005 - Wake Forest 2, BC 1
BC Notes
Boston College has outshot its opponents this season, 177-50. The Eagles averaged 19.7 shots a game ... The Eagles have scored 13 goals this season, eight different players have recorded a goal ...The Eagles are unbeaten in their last 12 home games dating back to Sept. 15, 2006. Boston College has posted a record of 10-0-2 during that span ... Junior Caitlin Hiler leads the team in points with seven (3 goals, 1 assist). One point behind Hiler is sophomore Gina DiMartino (2 goals, 2 assists) and freshman Chelsea Regan (2 goals, 2 assists).
BC in the Rankings
(As of 10-3-07)
NSCAA - No. 9
Soccer Buzz - No. 6
Soccer America - No. 11
Soccer Times - No. 8
