July 3, 2014
This summer, GoTerriers.com will once again count down the top 12 achievements of Boston University teams and student-athletes from the previous year. Check back each Tuesday and Friday as we reveal this year's Terrier Twelve.
The first installment of the the 2013-14 Terrier Twelve looks back at of all the "new" that surrounded the athletic department. In addition to moving to the Patriot League, the Terriers opened New Balance Field, hired a new head coach of men's ice hockey and watched their varsity men's lacrosse team take the field for the first time.
BU's first year as a member of the Patriot League was definitely a successful one, as seven women's programs claimed conference titles to claim the league's Women's Presidents' Cup. No school had ever won more than five women's titles in one year in the history of the Patriot League. The Terriers finished second in the overall Presidents' Cup standings, just 3.25 points behind Navy.
The Terriers won the Patriot League title in seven of its 11 women's sports, and finished in second place in two others. BU added to its trophy case with conference championships in tennis, softball, rowing, indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer and cross country. The Terriers also finished as the runner-up in women's lacrosse and field hockey.
Speaking of field hockey, head coach Sally Starr and the Terriers celebrated a return to campus for the first time in over a decade, as state-of-the-art New Balance Field officially opened with a 5-1 win over Ohio in the season opener on Aug. 31. Amanda Cassera, who went on to become the 2013 Patriot League Rookie of the Year - recorded a hat trick in the victory.
The storied men's ice hockey program also ushered in a new era this past year, as David Quinn - a former standout and associate head coach at BU - took over the helm of the team after legendary coach Jack Parker retired after 40 seasons as head coach of the Terriers.
BU also enjoyed the highly anticipated arrival of varsity men's lacrosse to campus, as head coach Ryan Polley guided the Terriers to a pair of Patriot League victories in their inaugural season. The Terriers impressed opponents up and down the east coast, competing with the likes of Lehigh, Colgate, Army and eventual national champion Duke.
High-definition video streaming of BU home events also became a reality in the new era, as the Patriot League Network debuted in conjunction with BU's entry into to the conference. Alumni, parents and fans from across the world are now able to watch all home games and conference games online for several BU sports through the PLN.
