After sweeping Boston College last weekend, the UConn women’s hockey team will continue its Hockey East schedule with a home-and-home series against Providence. The Huskies will host the Friars on Friday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. before traveling to Providence, R.I., for a rematch Saturday, Nov. 14 also at 2 p.m.
Offensively, the Huskies have relied on several key contributors, led by forward Ellie Markakis, who recorded three goals across the two-game series. Markakis scored the game-winning goal in Thursday’s victory, marking the first of her career, before once against coming through on Friday, scoring with less than two minutes remaining in regulation to put the Huskies ahead. Freshman forward Caileigh Tiller has also emerged as an offensive standout, leading the team with seven goals this season. Tiller recorded her seventh goal in Thursday’s matchup and further contributed by winning a team-high 17 faceoffs. Senior forward and captain Livvy Dewar has also played an important role in the Huskies’ offensive production, recording two goals on two shots in the series opener against Boston College.
Sophomore Taylor Belchetz has been a formidable force tending goal for the Huskies. Against Boston College, Belchetz recorded 65 saves across the two-game series, including 37 on Friday, just six shy of her season high. Belchetz finished the series with a 0.970 save percentage while allowing just two goals, helping anchor the Huskies’ defensive efforts.
On the other side, the Friars enter the matchup following a split series against New Hampshire, bringing their overall record to 5-7 and their Hockey East record to 3-3. Offensively, Providence has relied on several key contributors, led by senior forward Audrey Knapp, who scored two goals in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over New Hampshire. Knapp opened the scoring for the Friars in the second period to give Providence a 2-1 lead before adding an unassisted empty-net goal in the final seconds to secure the victory. Sophomore Bella Paolucci and junior Josie Lang also played important roles in the Friars’ offensive production, each recording two assists in Saturday’s win. Sophomore Reese Strauts added to the effort with her first goal of the season, scoring on a power play to give Providence a 3-2 advantage.
In the goal, sophomore Mallory Hartl anchored Providence’s defensive effort against New Hampshire. Hartl recorded 31 saves in Friday’s 3-1 loss, facing 34 shots from the Wildcats. Despite the loss, Hartl helped keep the Friars within reach throughout the matchup, particularly during a first period in which New Hampshire outshot Providence 15-7.
The Huskies last faced the Friars on Friday, Feb. 6, where the Huskies took the 2-1 win. After taking an early lead on a goal from now senior Livvy Dewar, UConn surrendered a late third-period equalizer before securing the win in overtime from now senior Maya Serdachny. The victory extended the Huskies’ winning streak against the Friars to three games.
The Huskies will look to extend their winning streak, leaning on their offensive depth and defensive strength to carry them through the weekend series. With several players stepping up in recent games, UConn will aim to maintain its momentum and continue its strong play against another Hockey East opponent.