The Massachusetts women’s lacrosse team will host Boston University in its home opener today, as they face the three-time defending America East Champions.

UMass is coming off Saturday’s 9-6 victory over Holy Cross, a game that increased UMass’ record to 8-0 all-time against the Crusaders. After falling behind 2-1 early, the Maroon and White scored six unanswered goals, cruising to victory in its season opener.

For the third consecutive year, senior attacker Hope Zelinger scored the season’s first goal. Her opportunity came early; when UMass was awarded a free position shot 1:13 into the game. Zelinger capitalized on the Holy Cross penalty, bouncing home the first of her four goals.”We expect Hope to have another good game against BU, she’s really taken on role as the team leader,” UMass coach Carrie Bolduc said. Also guiding the Maroon and White to victory was senior captain Tracy Drown, who made her comeback debut in stunning fashion, after being sidelined with a season ending injury four games into the 2003 season. The midfielder dished out four assists on the day, including two to Zelinger.”Last game some of the freshmen and sophomores weren’t ready for the game’s pace, hopefully that will change soon because we need them to come up with goals, Bolduc said. “The seniors carried us against Holy Cross, but we’ll need more contributions against BU.”

Sophomore attacker Lindsay Cassell helped the Maroon and White with three goals, while junior captain Maura McGarrity added one of her own. Scoring was capped-off by Kerri Connerty’s unassisted goal, which came with 2:19 left in the game.

Playing between the pipes for UMass was redshirt freshman Lauren McCarthy, who allowed six goals on 15 shots during the contest. McCarthy was impressive in her first collegiate appearance, but has not solidified a spot as the team’s starting goaltender.

“We’re still juggling goalies, Lauren did a very good job for us but we’re still trying out different things and trying to find the goalie that meshes well with the team,” Bolduc said.

Last year UMass bested the Universities of Albany and New Hampshire, defeating the two America East teams that finished second and third respectively, behind Boston University in the division. The Atlantic 10 is considered a stronger conference, but with 17 returning letter winners and an Inside Lacrosse Magazine Pre-Season 10th place national finish, the Terriers may prove to be a formidable opponent.

Aside from boasting ten players from the All-Conference team, the Terriers return the 2003 America East: Player of the Year (Alyssa Trudel), Rookie of the Year (Mary Beth Miller), and Defender of the Year (Sasha Lang).

“We’re excited to play BU, they’re an unfamiliar opponent that demands a lot of respect,” Bolduc said. “I think home field will play to our advantage, but BU is known as a fast team, so we’ll have to be on our game.”

UMass had not faced Boston University during Bolduc’s two-year tenure as head coach of the women’s lacrosse team. The game will start at 4 p.m. at Garber Field.