BC offense keeps up the score
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
When Boston College lacrosse midfielder Kenzie Kent decided to redshirt her senior season, it left a void for the Eagles, who take on reigning champion and No. 1 seed Maryland in the NCAA Division 1 semifinals on Friday in Stony Brook, N.Y.
Maryland beat BC 16-13 in last year’s title game at Gillette Stadium, and Kent was the dominant player, scoring five goals and five assists. She set NCAA records for points in the tournament (37), points in a title game (10) and was named the outstanding performer despite competing on the losing team.
Kent was also a four-year starter on the Eagles hockey team and wouldn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until midway through the spring season. After this hockey season, she elected to redshirt so she could play a full lacrosse season in 2019.
BC coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein made up for Kent’s absence with a balanced offense led by attacker Sam Apuzzo, who set a school single-season scoring record with 81 goals. BC went undefeated in the regular season and its only loss was to North Carolina in the ACC title match.
“I think people knew there were some really tough shoes to fill,” said Walker-Weinstein. “I think also people are playing for Kenzie and that is a powerful thing. We are playing for her knowing she was a big part of the success and a big part of our program.
“But they also knew they didn’t want the program to take a step back.”
Local ‘Star’ Heel
North Carolina senior attacker Ela Hazar of Westwood has been a huge part of the Tar Heels success. Hazar broke out last year with a single-season record 40 assists, and this season netted 34 goals and 46 assists. Hazar scored the Tar Heels’ final tally in their 14-11 victory over BC in the ACC title game on April 29.
“She is very competitive and holds herself to the highest standards,” said UNC coach Jenny Levy. “The adjustment she made this year is to grow into a more vocal leadership role. She’s done a really good job leading the offensive group that is relatively quiet.”
Baltimore bonds
The coaches in the national semifinals all grew up and played scholastically in the Greater Baltimore area.
Walker-Weinstein and Maryland coach Cathy Reese play for the Terrapins. UNC’s Levy was a two-time All-American at Virginia while James Madison coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe leads her alma mater.
“This year’s four coaches played in Maryland and it is a small world but so much happens from that hot bed,” said WalkerWeinstein. “It’s funny when you look where we all came from.”