The University of Maine’s field hockey team has already earned a share of the America East regular season championship.

But in order to host the four-team tournament, the Bears will have to beat Boston University on Sunday at noon at Alfond Stadium.

Maine is 4-0 in the conference while Boston University, which is ranked 18th in the country, is 3-1. Both are 12-5 overall.

A Terrier victory will earn them a share of the title and since they will have won the first tie-breaker, head-to-head, they will host the tourney the following weekend.

Maine coach Terry Kix concedes that the Terriers have a “more experienced team and more talent offensively.

“But we have a lot of heart and desire. It’ll be an interesting matchup,” said Kix. “We’re going to have to really defend well and counter attack. BU is vulnerable to counter attacks.”

Maine’s attack has been led by freshman forward Kim MacDonald (8 goals, 5 assists) along with the Old Town duo of Kasey Spencer (7 & 5) and Shaunessy Saucier (6 & 4) along with Skowhegan freshman Katy LePage (6 & 0).

Spencer has been moved from forward to midfield to replace the injured Katie Flaherty and “has done a wonderful job controlling the middle of the field,” according to Kix.

Meagan Connolly (2 & 3) has anchored the defense along with Joanna Fernandes (3 & 3), said Kix.

Connolly has been selected to play in the Seniors All-Star game at the University of Louisville.

“She was one of 38 seniors selected. That’s a tremendous honor,” said Kix.

Augusta’s Rebecca Giroux has been solid in goal, posting a 10-4 record, a 1.71 goals-against average and a .744 save percentage.

The Black Bear defense will have to contain BU’s Holly Wiles (9 & 0) and Sarah Shute (7 & 4), according to Kix. They lead the league in shots on goal with 3.12 and 2.75, respectively.

Shute is from Lincolnville.