While the University of Connecticut students were away on spring break, the UConn women’s lacrosse team remained in Storrs and put in the work for a dynamic win over Marist.
The Huskies did not tread lightly as their 17-3 victory over the Red Foxes was a passionate win for the dedicated group.
The win was a long time coming for the Huskies since this was the duo’s first matchup in 15 years. Since then, both programs have dramatically changed as UConn welcomed head coach Katie Woods in 2011.
With the massive win came one of the Huskies’ greatest team efforts. The performance highlighted immense skill from each player. 10 UConn athletes were able to score, some even getting more than one.
The first quarter immediately set the tone for the match as the Huskies came out with a fire in their eyes. The athletes zipped around the field and just three minutes in, graduate student Jenna Giardina scored the first goal of seventeen. Just under two minutes later, it was Kate Shaffer’s turn to earn a point.
Immediately after, Marist responded with their first goal of the day. However, the Huskies maintained control as their energy and cohesion were unmatched by the Red Foxes.
Despite the Red Foxes’ attempt at catching up to the Huskies, Shaffer notched two more goals and redshirt sophomore Rayea Davis also earned her first two of the day. With the first quarter ending 6-1, the Huskies were already the early favorite.
Next came an even bigger wave of athleticism from the Huskies as they notched seven more points in the second quarter. The second had the most diversified group of scorers with six athletes finding the net. Davis, the team leader in scoring, found the net for another goal with Shaffer who also earned two more. Morgan Carter, Eliza Bowman, Lauren Barry and Madelyn George also notched in points.
Although Marist was able to get two more shots off during the second, it barely made a dent in the Huskies’ impenetrable offensive and defensive lines. UConn goaltender Landyn White had a quiet game as most of the Huskies’ game was played near the Marist goal.
With the score at 13-3 at the half, the game was practically over for the Red Foxes as the Huskies defined the first by unmatchable energy, careful control and cohesion unlike any other.
For the next two quarters, Marist was unable to respond and quickly fell quiet to the Huskies’ skill set.
The third allowed a new group of Huskies to have a turn in the spotlight. Freshman duo Ava Plata and Eve McGrogan earned their first goals of the season with Plata taking home two and McGrogan one.
The third was a bit more relaxing for the Huskies as they could comfortably settle into their 13-point lead.
The fourth also welcomed a new set of faces onto the field. Freshman goalkeeper Sofia Oximana took over for White and had a successful shutout as Marist was unable to infiltrate the UConn defense.
The seventeenth and final goal of the day came from Graduate student Shea Van Broek as she took home her second goal of the season with an assist from Emma Dacey.
Rounding out the 17-3 victory came from every athlete on the field. With a diverse lineup that brought in fresh faces, new scorers and skill from every age group and position, the Huskies couldn’t have been more successful.
The victory was a true testament to the team’s skill set and showcased the talent of individual players while also highlighting the team’s gel.
Looking ahead, the group will be facing off with Columbia at home. Historically, the Huskies have come out victorious and will look to continue their newfound winning streak.