Huskies Fall to #9 Saint Jospeh’s in Penalty Strokes

DURHAM, N.H. — The University of Connecticut Field Hockey workforce fell to no.9 Saint Joseph’s by a remaining of 2-1 in penalty strokes. 

The first quarter noticed a collection of makes an attempt from each side with Connecticut’s Natalie McKenna making an early save towards a shot by Brooke James at 1:18. Sol Simone and Lene Bujes each examined Saint Joseph’s goalkeeper, Paige Kieft, with photographs at 7:05 and 11:34, respectively. A inexperienced card was issued to Emily Tammaro of Saint Joseph’s at 11:06, however neither workforce capitalized on scoring alternatives, leaving the rating tied at 0-0 by the tip of the quarter.

The second quarter started with McKenna making a vital save on a shot by Ava Smith at 18:23, showcasing her defensive expertise. Despite McKenna’s efforts, Saint Joseph’s Brooke James scored the primary purpose of the sport, assisted by Tristan Groff, at 18:29. McKenna continued to maintain it shut with one other save towards Lily DeWan’s shot at 25:06, because the quarter ended with Saint Joseph’s main 1-0. Saint Joseph’s earned 5 penalty corners on this interval, whereas UConn didn’t register any.

The third quarter noticed UConn make vital strides after a scoreless first half. Starting with a defensive spotlight, McKenna recorded a vital save towards an early shot by Saint Joseph’s Ava Smith at 30:46. The Huskies capitalized on offensive alternatives, with Simone executing a number of penalty corners. This effort paid off when Pien Prins scored her first purpose of the season at 42:46, assisted by Simone, leveling the sport at 1-1 by the tip of the quarter. 

The fourth quarter noticed Simone constantly organising alternatives with three penalty corners beginning at 46:14. Despite efforts from Julia Bressler and Prins to capitalize on these corners, the photographs have been blocked or went huge. On the defensive finish, McKenna made a vital save towards a shot from Saint Joseph’s Adele Jardemar at 51:16, sustaining the 1-1 tie as the sport concluded.

The additional time interval started with UConn’s lineup that includes McKenna, Zita Grigoliet, Milaw Clause, Milou Heuker, Bressler, Simone, and Juana Garcia. Early into the interval, at 63:46, UConn was awarded a penalty nook, taken by Simone, resulting in a blocked shot try by Bressler shortly after. Despite a shot on purpose by Olivia McKenna at 67:09, which was saved by Kieft, the interval ended with out a change within the rating, closing at 1-1.

Overtime commenced with McKenna making essential saves for the Huskies, stopping photographs from Alison Buffington and Emily Tammaro early within the interval. Simone’s penalty nook at 73:27 arrange a notable alternative, though UConn was unable to capitalize. Despite makes an attempt from Clause and Bressler later within the interval, the photographs have been blocked or went huge, and the sport remained scoreless throughout this era.

Connecticut showcased a robust efficiency in the course of the shootout interval with profitable makes an attempt by Bressler, Bujes, Abby Davidson, and Garcia. Despite a missed try by Simone, UConn maintained a aggressive edge with 4 objectives. Saint Joseph’s, nevertheless, matched the depth with profitable photographs by Erika Culp, Jardemar, Buffington, and Smith, resulting in a detailed contest. The Huskies outscored the Hawks four-three within the shootout after a scoreless seventh interval. Goalkeeper Kieft offered essential saves, permitting UConn to edge the house workforce.

McKenna showcased her expertise with 9 saves within the latest match, conceding just one purpose. Forward Bressler led the workforce with 4 photographs, one among which was on track. Midfielder Simone contributed with an help and two photographs on purpose. Prins recorded a purpose from three photographs, with one being on purpose.

Looking forward, UConn will face Brown on Sunday at 1 p.m. on the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT.