Photo by Eric Wang/The Daily Campus
It has not quite been a season to remember for the UConn women’s lacrosse team, but when they return home on Saturday to face Delaware, they will be playing for something bigger than themselves.
Saturday will be the second annual “One Love” game, which will promote and support the One Love Foundation. The foundation was founded in 2010 after a women’s lacrosse player at the University of Virginia, Yeardley Love, was beaten to death by her boyfriend. It tries to raise awareness and educate people about signs of relationship violence so other situations like Love’s can be avoided.
Head coach Katie Woods said how important this game and foundation is to her and the team because it hits very close to home as a women’s lacrosse program.
“I think it’s so important to help educate our athletes and the people around us about healthy relationships and what those look like and the warning signs of potentially unhealthy relationships,” Woods said. “I’m proud that our leaders have committed to such a great movement.”
In the game itself, the Huskies (1-7) will face off with the Delaware Blue Hens (3-5) for the first time ever. UConn is coming off a devastating 15-14 loss to Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, in which they battled to take the lead with under three minutes remaining but couldn’t hold on.
Sydney Watson had an unbelievable five-goal game in the loss, and Caitlin Leary added three more. Leary said that a game like that is really tough, but it serves as good preparation for future games.
“Being able to practice and eliminate some of those different mistakes will help us in the end and prepare us for Delaware on Saturday,” Leary said.
Delaware hasn’t played since last Saturday, when they lost to St. Joseph’s in a defensive battle 9-7. Their point leader, Mia DeRuggiero recorded two goals and four assists in that game. She has 30 points this season on seven goals and 23 assists. Delaware’s leading scorer is junior Christine Long, who has 23 goals this season.
Woods said she knows the Blue Hens will be a very tough opponent.
“They go very hard, are physical, and will fight until the last whistle,” she said. “It’s going to be a battle and we’ll need to handle their pressure and maintain composure in order to find success.”
The Huskies will be looking for their second win of the season. Opening draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Sherman Family Complex.
Danny Barletta is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at daniel.barletta@uconn.edu.
