Boston College Athletics
History Making Year for 2011 Lacrosse
May 20, 2011 | Lacrosse
May 20, 2011
Chestnut Hill, MA- Entering the 2011 season, the Eagles were tasked with trying to top the best season in program history in 2010, they certainly lived up to those expectations. Despite losing All-ACC stand-out and the program's second leading point scorer Lauren Costello to graduation, it was a history making year for the Eagles.
"I had high hopes for the 2011 season, and we certainly met those hopes this year. I don't think anyone on the team felt we exceeded expectations - if anything there is a taste of unfinished business in our mouths which is something that will propel us into 2012," said head coach Bowen Holden.
The Eagles started off the season strong, tying last year's mark for win streak with six. The Eagles got their first ACC win of the season against then ranked No.7 Virginia, 12-6. The win marked BC's first victory over the Cavaliers since the Eagles joined the ACC six years ago.
Despite going 1-4 in the ACC, the Eagles received the No. 4 seed in the ACC tournament, tying the program's highest seeding in the tournament. The ACC tournament provided some excitement for BC as they went on to win their first- round game against No. 5 seed Virginia Tech. Boston College defeated the Hokies by an ACC tournament record 14 points (17-3), advancing for the first time to the semi-final round of the tournament where they faced No. 1 Maryland. The 8-5 loss to the Terrapins, was the second closest game for Maryland at that point, and was the second lowest goal output for the Terps, as well.
The highlights continued for the Eagles as on May 8, the NCAA 16-team tournament was announced and the Eagles received their first ever NCAA bid, earning the right to play at No. 2 Northwestern. Falling by three to the Wildcats was the closest first-round game NU has played in the last seven years. In addition, the team was ranked in the top 20 all season, reaching their highest Division I ranking ever at No. 9.
"Every year has had its special moments, but there is no question that 2011 will always carry the most incredible moment of all hearing our name called for the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history," Holden said. I don't think anyone on this team will ever forget that moment together in the Shea Room. Each year has raised the bar a bit higher, and 2011 has now set a new standard one that will hopefully have us in the national spotlight for years to come."
Amongst all the team highlights, many individuals racked up their own accolades. For the week ending April, 4, sophomore Jessie Coffield was named ACC Defensive Player of the Week and sophomore Brooke Blue was named Inside Lacrosse Player of the Week. Freshman Moira Barry was also named womenslax.com Rookie of the Week (for the week ending March 7). Senior midfielder, Kristin Igoe was named to the Tewaaraton watch list in addition to being named to the All-ACC Team (third straight selection) and the ACC All-Tournament Team (first ever for the program). Junior Brittany Wilton joined Igoe on the All-ACC Team, tying the most All-ACC selections in the program's history.
Although she will be returning for another year, Igoe has already made her mark on the BC record book. Among single season leaders, her 44 goals places her third, her 18 assists is good enough for seventh and she is third in points with 62. She currently ranks sixth on the career goals list with 119, seventh in assists with 39 and sixth in points with 158.
Wilton has also put her mark on the BC record book this season as she set the single season mark for draw controls with 99 and was ranked second in the country in draws per game. She finished the season sixth in single season goals (42), fourth in points (58) and currently ranks third in career draw controls (136), 14th in goals (73), and 12th in assists (29).
The future looks bright for the Eagles as freshman Moira Barry finished third on the team in goals with 39, the second most by a freshman for the Eagles and sophomore Brooke Blue finished third on the team in points (47) and fourth in goals scored (38). The 2012 team will also return all but four individuals, losing one player at each position to graduation. Along with an impressive recruiting class entering next fall, the program is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
"We have set a new standard for BC Lacrosse this year, and there is no question that an NCAA tournament berth is going to be expected from this point forward," said Holden. "As has been the case each year, our goal is to take at least one more step in the upward direction and next year will be no different. A national championship is now in our sights."
