Huskies Fall to #5 Liberty
LYNCHBURG, Va. — The UConn women’s field hockey team fell to no.5 Liberty Friday evening by a final of 1-0. The lone goal came in the fourth quarter, breaking a scoreless tie and securing the win for Liberty. The Huskies managed seven shots, five of which were on goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net, as Liberty’s defense held firm with five saves.
The first quarter began with UConn’s Natalie McKenna in goal, successfully defending against an early shot by Liberty’s Mia Santana. The Huskies maintained a strong defensive presence throughout the quarter, with McKenna making key saves to keep the opponent off the scoreboard. Despite some infractions resulting in green cards for Sol Simone and Julia Bressler, UConn held firm defensively. The quarter concluded with the score tied at 0-0, as Liberty’s attempts, including a wide shot by Josefina Tomasi, were effectively neutralized.
The second quarter began with UConn pressing offensively as Bressler’s shot was blocked early on. Simone orchestrated a pair of penalty corners shortly after, maintaining offensive pressure on Liberty’s defense. Despite the momentum, Liberty managed to hold off UConn’s attempts, with Avery Pollock’s wide shot being the only notable response from the opponent. The quarter concluded with both teams still searching for their first goal, keeping the score tied at 0-0.
The third quarter commenced with both teams vying to break the deadlock. Lene Bujes attempted to capitalize early with a shot on goal at 36:20, but Liberty’s goalkeeper, Diane Saint Martin, made the save to maintain the scoreline. Despite the efforts from both sides, the quarter concluded without any change in the score, leaving the game tied at 0-0.
UConn opened the fourth quarter with an aggressive offensive push. Olivia Donahue and Lene Bunjes led the attack with multiple shots on goal, all saved by Liberty’s goalkeeper Saint Martin. Liberty capitalized on a penalty corner at 53:35 when Dara Semmartin scored, assisted by Morena Giacosa and Lou Combrinck, giving the opponent a 1-0 lead. The Huskies continued to press forward, earning a penalty corner at 57:11 taken by Simone, but Milou Heuker’s subsequent shot was blocked. Despite UConn’s efforts to score and level the game, the quarter concluded with Liberty maintaining their lead, ending the match at 1-0 in favor of the opponent.
Lene Bunjes led the team with three shots, all on target, showcasing her offensive efforts. Olivia McKenna delivered one shot on goal, contributing to the team’s attack. Goalkeeper McKenna made one save over 56 minutes of play, allowing just one goal in a close defensive effort. Donahue also managed one shot on goal, adding pressure to the opposing defense.
Looking ahead, the Huskies will host Providence on Friday, October 3, at 3 p.m. The game will take place at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT.
