Focusing on staying undefeated within the Big East, the UConn field hockey team faces off against Villanova at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 in Storrs, Connecticut.
The in-conference rivals first began seeing each other back in 1988. Since then, the Huskies have won 36 out of their 43 matchups all time. Even with an impressive winning percentage, losing is still possible.
UConn plans on taking a chip off their shoulder after losing to Villanova last season. Ending in a one-point differential game, the teams kept it close, which Connecticut is all too familiar with this year.
In two of their last three matches, UConn created only a one-point deficit, keeping the games close until the end. Week after week, the Huskies are consistently moving up the rankings. For Connecticut’s opponents, performing at a low level is not ideal while trying to knock them off, so Villanova coming in hot would not surprise anyone.
Connecticut currently sits at No. 8 in the nation after this past weekend. After popping off and scoring three goals, Julia Bressler received Offensive Player of the Week. Adding another two goals to her season, Juul Sauer took home Freshman of the Week. Natalie McKenna made the Weekly Honor Roll, only allowing one shot to pass her in two games. It is safe to say that UConn is fired up and ready.
After losing 2-0 in their previous match to No. 7 Iowa, ending a four-game win streak, the Wildcats need a bounce-back game. This is the second time the team struggled against a ranked opponent. No. 13 Saint Joseph’s beat Villanova 6-2 the first time.
With just one rank below Iowa and already beaten Saint Joseph’s, this should be an easy win for the Huskies. Limiting Iowa to eight shots, the Wildcat’s strong defense kept them in the game, which could play a role in this clash.
Looking to help put the nail in the coffin is Villanova’s forward Sabine de Ruijter, who consistently scored throughout the season. The forward put up eight goals within 10 games while starting every match. Held to two shooting attempts, Ruijter only shot one on goal against the Hawkeyes.
Looking at the home team, Sauer is always someone the coaches count on. Bressler could continue her hot streak, too. McKenna makes defending look easy and is a big part of why only one goal went in last weekend, and will play a major role in this game.
Staying undefeated within a conference is hard, but with how Connecticut has played so far, taking care of business is well within their reach.