UConn hit the 13-goal threshold for the fourth time this season on Saturday, yet surprisingly they are just 1-3 in those games. (File photo/The Daily Campus)
In most games, 13 goals should be enough to win a lacrosse game. In fact, four of UConn’s opponents this year have beaten them with 13 goals or less.
However, 13 was not the lucky number for the UConn women’s lacrosse team on Saturday afternoon, when they lost to the Temple Owls at home by a score of 17-13 to move to 2-11 overall and 0-2 in The American Athletic Conference.
UConn hit the 13-goal threshold for the fourth time this season on Saturday, yet surprisingly they are just 1-3 in those games. Clearly, the UConn defense still has some things to work out, but their ability as a great offensive team was on full display against Temple.
Not only did the Huskies score 13 goals, but it took eight different players to score those 13 goals, which is tied for the most scorers in a game for UConn this season. No UConn player recorded a hat trick, but eight different players scored one or two goals for the Huskies, pretty impressive considering only seven players scored the 17 goals for Temple.
Sophomore Sydney Watson, who had two goals and one assist in the loss, said getting that many people involved was a great sign for the Huskies offense.
“It’s awesome to see so many players get involved,” Watson said. “We have such a talented team that are all able to show out when they get the chance. It gives the other team so many different looks and helps us in the end.”
The other UConn scorers besides Watson included Lexi Kenneally (2), Brooke Jensen (2), Dani Dunn (2), Abby Vetsch (2), Anna Costello (1), Lia LaPrise (1) and Olivia Miles (1). Kenneally added three assists as well for a team-high five points. Much of the UConn offense seemed to be facilitated through her.
“Lexi is one of those attackers the other team should always be aware of,” Watson said. “She’s sneaky around the crease and is able to put it away.”
Clearly, the Huskies had one of their best offensive performances of the season with so many different players getting involved. They had one of their highest shot totals all year, putting 23 balls on net.
Unfortunately for them, Temple had an even better day offensively, as they totaled even more shots and obviously more goals. UConn’s offense gave them a chance to win, but the defense wasn’t able to do their job as effectively.
Even still, Watson said the team just has to stick to their process and the results will come.
“In the end it’s hard not getting the outcome we want,” Watson said. “We set goals for this game that ultimately we were able to achieve which is great. It’s just finishing it out. No matter the end score this team works hard and plays hard, and I’m grateful to be a part of a team like this.”
Danny Barletta is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at daniel.barletta@uconn.edu.
