The UConn Huskies secured a 3-1 win over Providence field hockey late Friday afternoon and 2-1 win against UMass Amherst early Sunday afternoon.
The Huskies entered the matchups ranked No. 27 nationally, above their fellow Big East foe Providence at No. 48, and faced No. 16 Massachusetts.
Ending with a loss to Providence from last season, the Huskies worked to redeem themselves on Friday. The game started with a drive from UConn’s offense, with senior midfielder Sol Simone attempting to notch a goal, but it was saved by the Friars’ goalie, Ava Porter. Providence followed up with junior midfielder Florencia Talarico attempting a shot on goal, going wide. The repeated attempted shots on goal set the tone for the remaining quarters.
The second quarter, starting uneventfully, ended with a series of shots happening in quick succession. Senior midfielder Jasmijn Damman began the assaults with a shot on goal, saved by Porter. Simone followed the assault with a penalty kick, while sophomore back Milou Heucker made a shot blocked by Porter. Then 27 minutes in, freshman Emma Larit had a go at the net, ending too high. A short two minutes later, the Huskies secured the first goal of the game by senior forward Julia Bressler, with an assist by Heucker and Simone, ending the second quarter.
Early in the third quarter, UConn’s defensive line faced a challenge with Providence’s junior forward Lily Procaccianti attempting a shot that went off high. The attempt was followed by another shot by Talarico, going wide. The quarter ended with a penalty corner by Providence’s sophomore midfielder Johanna Mähner and a shot by junior midfielder Bo Martina, blocked by UConn goalie Natalie McKenna.
The fourth quarter began with UConn reclaiming control. The Huskies saw another goal from sophomore back Fien Hollander. The goal was followed by two shots from the Huskies’ own Bressler, blocked by the Friars’ goalie. Bressler followed up with a penalty kick goal, notching the score to 3-0. As the final blow, Providence’s junior forward Carly van Benten secured a goal in the back of the net. The game ended with the Huskies tallying another win for their record.
The first quarter of UConn’s matchup against UMass mirrored that of the game against Providence. Massachusetts made the first blow with sophomore midfielder Cara Falconer attempting a shot that was saved by Natalie McKenna.
Following Massachusetts’ attempt, UConn player and junior midfielder Olivia McKenna shot at goal, ending in a block by Massachusetts goalkeeper Myrte Van Herwijnen. The quarter ended with a final shot on goal by UConn’s freshman, Abby Davidson, resulting in a block.
The second quarter began quickly with Massachusetts driving on their offensive line. 20 minutes in, the Massachusetts Minutemen secured their first goal by junior midfielder Kristy Leonard, assisted by freshman defensive player Lina Kroeger. Olivia McKenna, with the Huskies, made a shot on goal that went high, ending the quarter 1-0.
The third quarter began with senior midfielder Mia Smith, with Massachusetts, attempting a shot on goal that was saved by Natalie McKenna. UConn players Simone and junior forward Violeta Francese attempted shots in quick succession, both ending in failure. The quarter ended with UConn’s Larit receiving a green card.
The fourth quarter started with the Huskies pressing Massachusetts’ defensive line, ending in two UConn goals back to back. Simone led the first ball into the back of the net with freshman Lene Bunjes following closely behind, scoring another goal with an assist by freshman Pien Prins. The quarter ended with the Huskies securing another win.
Next up, the Huskies will travel to Philly to take on the Temple Owls, Friday at 1 p.m.Â