Over the weekend, the University of Connecticut field hockey team improved its overall record to 9-1, extending its winning streak with two dramatic shootout wins over a Big East opponent and a regional rival.
The Huskies trailed early against a strong Providence College team (8-2) at Lennon Family Field in Providence, Rhode Island Friday. Just under 14 minutes into the first period, Providence’s Ariana Ftorek scored off a cross from Florencia Talarico, giving the Friars a 1-0 lead.
Although Providence’s defense, led by goalkeeper Ava Porter with eight saves, was tough, UConn controlled the game’s pace. The Huskies outshot the Friars 18-9 and earned eight penalty corners compared to Providence’s three. Still, Providence held on until the final seconds of regulation. At the 60-minute mark, UConn’s Olivia McKenna scored to tie the game 1-1 and send it to sudden-death overtime.
After two tense, scoreless 10-minute overtime periods, the Huskies stayed calm in the shootout. Abby Davidson, Lene Reiche and Lucy Zich each scored on their one-on-one chances against Porter. On defense, UConn goalkeeper Natalie McKenna gave up only one shootout goal to Johanna Mahner, helping secure a 2-1 comeback win on the road.
On Oct. 4, two days later, UConn hosted the University of Massachusetts at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs. Facing a formidable 11-1 UMass team, the game shifted from the high-scoring Rhode Island match to a defensive struggle. UMass held a small edge in shots (8-7) and penalty corners (4-1).
After a scoreless first half, Olivia McKenna scored again to spark the Huskies. At 34:32 in the third quarter, she redirected a pass into the net with help from Fien Hollander and Zich, putting UConn up 1-0. UMass answered quickly when Emily Barrett tied it at 39:56, assisted by Sophie Kent and Megan Carpenter.
UConn’s defense stayed strong for the rest of regulation and overtime, holding off UMass’ aggressive offense. Defender Marlijn Swaan made a key goal-line save at 36:13, and Natalie McKenna added three important saves over 90 minutes.
The game went to a long, eight-round shootout. Reiche scored twice on her four tries for UConn, and Zich added another goal on her second attempt. With the shootout tied 3-3 in the eighth round, UMass’ Emily Barrett missed her shot against Natalie McKenna. Olivia McKenna then scored the winning goal past UMass goalkeeper Rozárie Mrázová, giving UConn a 4-3 shootout win and their second 2-1 victory of the weekend.
With these two tough wins, UConn keeps its momentum going into a key part of Big East Conference play. Head Coach Chris Caughman praised the team’s ability to handle pressure and highlighted their depth and composure in big moments. The Huskies aim to build on their 9-1 record as they prepare to host Temple University on Oct. 9.