The Connecticut-Massachusetts rivalry will be making its way to the lacrosse field as the New Englanders are set to engage in their yearly battle. While the UConn-UMass rivalry runs deep, the Huskies will be fighting for the opportunity to come out on top.
This year, it’s looking to be a battle of the ages as UConn (8-5) and UMass (9-4) appear to be on each other’s tails. In the Big East, the Huskies have climbed the ladder to the No. 3 spot while the Minutewomen are controlling the Atlantic 10 as the No. 2 rank.
Up front, few opponents have dared to take on the unstoppable trio of Rayea Davis, Kate Shaffer and Susan Lafountain, but UMass’ Kassidy Morris and Charlotte Wilmoth might give them a run for their money.
Davis, Shaffer and Lafountain have been the talk of the season with all eyes falling to their unrivaled attacking dynamic. With 94 goals, 35 assists and 131 points between the three of them, their movement and aggression is something few opponents can match. Morris and Wilmoth, however, have been leading a cavalry of their own and have been running the UMass attacking line for the better half of the season. The clash on the frontlines will certainly be the element to keep an eye on.
Another interesting caveat to the Minutewomen’s attacking line is their assertiveness. This season’s history has proven that UMass will not shy away from the goal, nor will they wait for the perfect shot; instead, they will attack. While they have outscored and outshot almost all of their opponents in every quarter, their most dominant push comes in the third. Throughout this season, the Minutewomen have outshot their opponents 111-54 in the third quarter.
It will be critical for the Huskies to remain diligent, especially in the third, as they will be challenged to fend off forward attacks.
In goal, UMass’ Catrina Tobin may make Davis, Shaffer and Lafountain’s job a bit harder. With 77 saves this season, Tobin will challenge the UConn attacking line unlike any goaltender has before. On the other end of the field, UConn’s Landyn White will be doing the same in the Huskies’ net. As the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, few shots get past White and she will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Morris and Wilmoth.
As for the 2-11 history between the two, UConn has had far better outcomes. While the most recent seasons are what matter most, UConn has been on and off, falling in 2021, winning in 2022 and then falling again in 2023. If the pattern continues, UConn just might finish on top.
UConn must be resilient with every player working to the highest caliber. While UMass is known to strike late in the game and consistently demonstrate offensive aggression, UConn must do what they do best: adapt, bounce back and maintain pressure.
The Wednesday evening battle is set for a 6 p.m. start in Amherst, Massachusetts.