University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Play Host To New Hampshire On Sunday
2/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
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The Game
After nearly upsetting No. 3 Syracuse on Wednesday, the UConn women's lacrosse team (1-3) continues non-conference play at home against New Hampshire (1-2) on Sunday (1 p.m.) at the George J. Sherman-Family Sports Complex.
This weekend's contest will be Connecticut's first game at the Sherman Sports Complex this season after last week's home opener was moved indoors due to poor weather conditions. The Huskies sport an all-time record of 5-6 against the Wildcats in a series that dates back to 1997.
Last Time Out
UConn's upset bid over the No. 3 Orange on Wednesday fell short, 12-11, despite a hat trick from attacker Grace Nolan (Marcellus, N.Y.). The Connecticut freshman finished with four points on three goals and one assist to go along with one ground ball. Nolan's 10 points this year rank first among Big East freshmen, and her four assists in 2015 are the second-best mark on UConn.
The Husky defense shined against the nation's top offensive attack, forcing 23 Syracuse turnovers and allowing just 12 goals throughout the match, which was broadcasted on ESPN3. The Orange came into Wednesday's game averaging 18 goals per game on the year. Junior goalkeeper Shannon Nee (Lancaster, Pa.) made seven of her nine saves in the second half for the Huskies, who controlled just five of the 24 draws against Syracuse.
Scouting The Wildcats
UNH enters this weekend with a 1-1 mark on the road this season and a 2-4 all-time record in road games against the Huskies. The Wildcats earned their first win of the season against Holy Cross (Feb. 18) before falling at home to UMass, 12-7, last Saturday (Feb. 21). Senior Kayleigh Hinkle has paced the UNH attack this season with a team-leading nine goals, while junior Laura McHoul ranks first on the team in assists (8) and second in goals (4). Her eight assists are good for the sixth-highest total among Division I players.
New Hampshire, which has been outshot in each of its three games this season, ranks 42nd nationally in scoring offense with 10 goals per game, and the Wildcats are 33rd in Division I with 12 draw controls per game. Freshman goalkeeper Kate Clancy has started all three games in net for the Wildcats, allowing 37 goals (12.33 goals against average) on the year. Her 22 saves in 2015 are the 36th-best mark nationally, and she sports a 0.373 save percentage through three games.
The Huskies fell to the Wildcats, 11-7, on the road last season (March 5). Five UConn players tallied goals, including midfielder Alexandra Crofts (Westport, Conn.), who finished with a team-best three scores. Connecticut moved past UNH, 11-9, when the two teams last met in Storrs on March 6, 2013.
Next Up
After Sunday, the Huskies will continue their road schedule on Wednesday afternoon against in-state foe Quinnipiac at the QU Lacrosse Turf Field. The match is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET.
