Women's Soccer: Seniors Lead Terriers to Third Straight Title

by Marc Filippino

It takes a lot to win an America East Championship. A balanced offense, a strong defense, a solid goalkeeper, and a set coaching staff are all ingredients in the mix. To have all these variables for one year is impressive. To do it three years in a row? That’s insurmountable.

With the Terriers 4-0 win against Binghamton Sunday, Boston University became America East champions for the seventh time in its program’s history. They are tied with Hartford for most AE Championships. Senior Mara Osher (’10), who has been on the team since 2005, has won America East Championships. That total is more than any other active BU player.

Osher (’10) and senior Farrell McClernon (’10) believe that one of the reasons that 2009 Terriers thrived was the experience on the team. BU is sporting eight senior players on their roster, six who start regularly.

“Out of all the teams this is definitely the one with the most experience. It’s definitely the oldest in a good way and we’ve seen a lot together,” McClernon (’10) said. “I think the younger players have really picked up on the mentality and there’s a ton of heart.”

“Everyone, since they’re so experienced is very committed to what we’re all about and playing for each other and playing our style,” Osher said. “Everyone puts 100% so it’s really easy for everyone to get out there and do our thing.”

The seniors lead the Terriers in goals throughout 2009. They had 20 out of the 43 Boston University goals, more than any other class on the team.

However, no one has seen more experience seeing the Terriers win that head coach Nancy Feldman. Feldman holds the record most America East tournament victories and seven titles.

Feldman says one of the key reasons for the third straight Championship is the leadership of the senior class.

“[We have a] Great senior class they’ve been contributing since they got here. Kids know what they need to do and they committed and disciplined enough to do it,” Feldman said. “I think it would be easy to sit and relax a little bit and they don’t. Hopefully a little of that comes from me but you have to have the right kids.”