Courtesy of Brian Beard

Last Saturday, the field hockey team (13–3; 7–3 NESCAC) secured a 2–0 NESCAC quarterfinal win against Wesleyan University (10–6; 5–5 NESCAC), advancing the Polar Bears to the semifinals for the first time since 2021. Bowdoin is currently ranked third in the NESCAC, trailing only Middlebury (14–2; 9–1 NESCAC) and Tufts (16–0; 10–0 NESCAC).

The Polar Bears scored both of the game’s goals in the first 11 minutes. The lead began with a sweep from Ella Davies ’28, off of which Emily Ferguson ’28 made a diving play, putting the ball into the net. Head Coach Nicky Pearson applauded the team’s explosive opening.

“We had a terrific start, and I was really impressed with the way that the team started the game,” Pearson said. “We scored two early goals, and the first quarter was just outstanding,”

Only one minute later Katie Athanasoulas ’28 took a shot at goal, which was deflected into the net by Charlotte Crawford ’28. This solidified the team’s lead, which they defended for the rest of the game.

Despite the opening offensive flurry, the team played more defensively throughout the rest of the game, as Wesleyan tried to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Wesleyan had a 14–2 lead on corners, and a 16–7 shots advantage, limiting Bowdoin from having many further goal opportunities.

“I think we were guilty of letting Wesleyan back into the game, and then we had to play more defense than we would have wanted,” Pearson said. “I think we were disappointed, in the end, that we had allowed Wesleyan as many chances, and that we hadn’t created more offense later in the game.”

Similarly, Davies spoke on the large number of offensive opportunities that Wesleyan had during the matchup, and how the team will combat this moving further into the playoffs. Nevertheless, she commended the team’s defensive effort.

“We talked a lot in practice on how to reduce that number and some different things that we’re going to do to sustain a stronger attack,” Davies said. “But, if we were our opponent looking at us, we’d be thinking, ‘man, how are we going to score against Bowdoin?’”

The Polar Bears’ defense held strong against Wesleyan. Near the end of the second quarter, Eva Filipponi ’28 saved two shots on goal, deflecting the attacks. Pearson praised the team’s defensive lineup for their strong performance, and the significance of preventing success from the corners conceded to Wesleyan.

“In particular, our goalkeeper, Eva [Filipponi], and our defensive corner group played very, very well. [Wesleyan] had 14 corners, which is the most that we’ve given up all season. But the defensive corner unit was terrific, and they honestly were responsible for us maintaining the two-zero lead,” Pearson said.

The team’s energy has proven to be remarkable, with strong connections and unbreakable bonds between players. According to Davies, this has been crucial to the team’s success so far, and will be more so now into the playoffs.

“It is the best dynamic. I think we have one of the strongest teams in terms of respect, trust and kindness. I am so grateful to play on a team where any time I can look at someone beside me and be so grateful that I get to play with them and for them too,” Davies said.

Athanasoulas also spoke about the team’s traditions, which keep the team dynamic strong throughout the season.

“We always play the same song [to start off warm-up], and it’s kind of a moment for everyone to take a minute to themselves and be quiet,” Athanasoulas said. “And then, there’s one part in the song where we all clap in unison, then you get up and you go out [onto] the field.”

Looking forward to the next round of the playoffs, the team is excited for the upcoming games, including the challenging opponents. The next matchup is against Middlebury, who the Polar Bears lost to earlier in the season.

“We’re just really determined. Personally, I love being an underdog. We’re the third seed, and we’re playing number two, the second seed, Middlebury, who we lost to earlier in the season, but I love that we’re playing a team that we’ve lost to,” Athanasoulas said.

Similarly, Pearson spoke of the excitement of the team to play in the semifinals.

“We lost to [Middlebury] in the regular season, and so I think playing a team that you lost to gives you that sort of extra motivation, so I think it’s a great matchup. Actually, I’m excited about it,” Pearson said.

Bowdoin field hockey hosts Middlebury tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.