The UConn women’s lacrosse team is coming off a massive win against Denver last weekend. The Huskies completed a five-goal comeback to send the game into overtime, where sophomore midfielder Kelsey Neary netted the game-winning goal. Neary matched her career-high in goals, when she scored two during the game. The midfielder also added two ground balls with a draw control and one caused turnover. Sophomore defender Abby Beran had three caused turnovers in the game, tying her season-high. Beran also contributed four ground balls, and five draw controls to ensure the Huskies’ victory. This was the program’s first time winning against Denver, who are the defending Big East Champions.
The Huskies currently hold a 9-4 record overall and a 2-1 record in conference play. Their next opponent, the Marquette Golden Eagles (8-5, 2-2), are coming off a 15-8 loss to Villanova. UConn currently averages a save percentage of .459 and 381 shots on net so far this season. Standout players for the Huskies include their captains, graduate student Eliza Bowman and senior Riley Daly. Bowman is a dominant attacker who constantly gets balls on net for the Huskies and Daly plays defense ensuring that their opponents stay out of UConn’s zone.
The Huskies currently have a .924% clear percentage, higher than Marquette’s .845%. This will be a key aspect to look out for during their matchup. UConn consistently outshoots their opponents and in their most recent game against Denver, they outshot them 34-23 with many of those shots coming from redshirt junior Rayea Davis.
The attacker from Henrietta, N.Y., has made her mark scoring a total of ten goals in just the past three games for the Huskies while racking up nine assists as well. Last season, she scored a total of 44 goals across the entirety of the 2023-2024 season and currently has 39 goals with still many games left to be played this season.
The Huskies will need to watch out for senior Meg Bireley, who currently leads the team with 53 goals. Fellow teammate, midfielder senior Hanna Bodner, is also a force on the field with 38 goals. She has been awarded Big East Midfielder of the week three times this season.
The Huskies will look to keep their momentum going and hopefully secure another Big East win. Marquette on the other hand, is entering the matchup on a two-game losing streak. With the Big East Championship coming up soon, every win is crucial.
Face-off between these two Big East foes is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Milwaukee.