Regardless of a dominant offensive performance, the UConn women’s lacrosse squad faced their third straight road loss this past weekend at Saint Joseph’s.
Despite opening the season with a 0-3 record, the Huskies’ loss margin has never risen above two. Luckily, the contest in Philadelphia was no different, as the Hawks barely came out on top with an 11-10 finish.
The first quarter started with a bang from Saint Joseph’s as they immediately nailed two goals in the first three minutes of play. Although UConn swiftly responded and fired off four shots on goal, they could not find the back of the net. The rest of the quarter demonstrated UConn’s offensive aggression as they fought to catch up with the Hawks. Although they could not get their names on the board by the end of the first, the Huskies outshot the Hawks 12-8 in a dynamic offensive performance.
The second quarter was an action-packed showing from both sides of the field as both teams demonstrated a hunger for the win. Although the Hawks had the advantage, the Huskies were not deterred and only fought harder.
The Hawks’ third goal came early in the second, but the Huskies responded just one minute later. Senior team leader Susan Lafountain was the first Husky to fire off a shot and get UConn’s name on the board. Lafountain has been a dominant player this season and will round out her senior year with an impressive resume.
The Hawks, unswayed by UConn’s slow and steady game of catch-up, fought to maintain their advantage and pushed the Huskies back further to secure a 4-1 lead. Just moments later, another goal from the Hawks forced UConn into a four-point deficit, the largest they’ve faced so far this season.
Quickly following Saint Joseph’s goal, UConn took a timeout. Undoubtedly, the brief break was all the Huskies needed to get their head in the game as they came out with a goal from graduate student Kate Shaffer. Just two minutes later, UConn’s Lauren Barry got her name on the board for the first time this season as she cut the UConn deficit to 3-5.
The Huskies didn’t stop there and played with the most intensity so far this season. With the advantage of a free position shot, Shaffer put the Huskies back into the game as the score turned 4-5. A final goal by the Hawks with just 10 seconds left before the half rounded out the second quarter.
The third was yet another dynamic performance from the offensive lines as the Huskies put up three points in the quarter.
The first three goals came from the Hawks, as the Huskies were a bit quieter than usual. However, with a 9-4 deficit, it was time for the Huskies to be strategic with their offensive plays. A free position shot from Lafountain was the Huskies’ first scoring opportunity of the third and slowly caught UConn up 9-5.
Just moments later, Saint Joseph’s doubled their scoring margin to 10-5. The Huskies were quick to respond as redshirt sophomore Rayea Davis put up two goals for the Huskies in a swift offensive showing.
The third was the first quarter, where the Huskies were outshot by Saint Joseph’s 8-11. However, the tides changed in the fourth as UConn outshot Saint Joseph’s 14-2.
UConn’s Jenna Giardina brought up the Huskies 8-10 in a free position shot, and just moments later, Shaffer found the net for a hat trick and a 9-10 score. Despite this, SJU was not finished and responded to the Huskies with their final goal of the day.
After several more shot attempts from UConn, Shaffer nailed her fourth of the day. With about seven minutes left of gameplay and a one-point deficit, UConn nailed shot after shot through the Hawk’s defense but ultimately was not able to find the back of the net and finished 10-11.
Despite just barely falling to SJU, the Huskies demonstrated thrilling offensive plays and were a dominant force from all angles of the field. The Huskies defined the contest by their powerhouse of offensive and defensive athletes able to both nail shots on goal and protect their goalkeeper.
Looking ahead, the Huskies will be on the road again to face New Hampshire next Wednesday.