The Boston University field hockey team showed great promise for the upcoming 2006 fall season, claiming the Eastern Mercian Spring Cup for the first time since its inception in 2002. The Terriers, led by tournament MVP Pam Spuehler, earned the title in the eight-team tournament with a 2-1 win against the New England Fire, a U.S. regional developmental team, in the championship game on Sunday, April 23, in Storrs, Conn.

The Terriers advanced to the title game with a 2-1 victory earlier in the day over cross-town rival Northeastern. Junior Amy Seaman and freshman Holly Wiles scored goals off corners to give BU a 2-0 lead.

In the championship game against the Fire, the Terriers also jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Sophomore Sarah Shute scored on a corner with an assist coming from Spuehler for the first goal. Later in the game, a successful back-tackle by Shute got the ball back into the circle, where an all-out physical effort in front of the cage led to the eventual game-winning goal by Seaman.

The Fire is USA Field Hockey's Elite Performance Training Center squad for the New England region and includes top male and female players.

BU went 3-1 in the tournament's preliminary rounds, earning a victory against Maine in addition to two wins over Providence.

"Our success in the tournament should be a big stepping stone of confidence for our team," said head coach Sally Starr. "The players know they have the ability to put together a successful season this fall."

The Terriers will wrap up their spring schedule this weekend, beginning on Saturday with matches at Harvard against the Crimson and Boston College. On Sunday, BU will travel to UNH for an America East Play Day.