University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Open 2015 Campaign On The Road Against JMU Sunday
2/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
HARRISONBURG, Va. - The UConn women's lacrosse team opens its 2015 campaign on Sunday on the road against James Madison at 1 p.m. The game will mark just the second meeting between the two in a series that kicked off with a 14-13 Connecticut win at the George J. Sherman-Family Sports Complex last season (March 9, 2014).
The Huskies, who have won at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons, enter this year following back-to-back appearances in the Big East Tournament. UConn was picked to finish third in the league this season in the preseason coaches poll, and three Connecticut players earned Preseason All-Big East team honors. Juniors Katherine Finkelston (Leonardtown, Pa.) and Shannon Nee (Lancaster, Pa.) were tabbed as unanimous Preseason All-First Team selections, while defender Lauren Kwasnowski (Kingston, N.Y.) was named to the Second Team.
UConn sports a record of 11-7 in season openers, and the Huskies are 6-5 when beginning the season on the road. Connecticut, which boasted a winning record (4-3) on the road for the third straight season last year, is 59-76 all-time in road contests.
JMU defeated Virginia Tech, 13-8, on Thursday to even its record at 1-1 after opening its season with a 13-9 loss to No. 2 North Carolina. The Dukes were picked to finish second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), and senior Stephanie Finley earned Preseason Player of the Year accolades after totaling 59 points on 44 goals and 15 assists in 2014. The JMU attacker has tallied six points (five goals, one assist) this season to go along with five ground balls and five caused turnovers.
UConn's win over JMU last year marked the start of a season-high six-game winning streak for the Huskies. It was also the first of four Connecticut wins decided by one goal in 2014 and the first of two overtime victories. Former UConn standout midfielder Lauren Kahn delivered the game-winner, scoring 23 seconds into the second overtime period after former midfielder Kacey Pippitt won the draw control.
Following Sunday's contest, the Huskies will continue play on the road on Wednesday against UMass at 3 p.m. in Amherst, Mass. UConn's home opener will take place later that week on Saturday when it hosts Dartmouth in Storrs at 1 p.m.
