University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
UMass Lowell
Huskies Set to Take on UMass Lowell & UNH
2/24/2021 8:39:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
STORRS, Conn. – The Huskies have a pair of games against America East schools on tap heading into the weekend as the head to UMass Lowell on Friday and open up play at the brand-new Joseph J. Marrone Stadium on Sunday when they host New Hampshire to open a three-game homestand.
All-Time Series with UMass Lowell…. The Huskies hold a 1-0 edge in the all-time series against the River Hawks after a 20-14 win at home last season in the first-ever meeting before the pandemic cut the season short. Senior Sydney Watson (Prince Frederick, Md.) led the way by tying the UConn single game record for goals scored (8) and setting a new mark for draw controls (14) in the win. Lia LaPrise added three goals and four assists, while Abby Vetsch and Stephanie Palmucci added three and two goals, respectively.
All-Time Series with UNH… UConn holds a 10-7 edge in the all-time series and won last year's meeting, 21-8 on the road early in the year. Watson and Grace Coon each scored four times to pace the offense while LaPrise scored three and assisted on three others in the win. UConn had 11 different players find the scoring column on the day.
Last Time Out… The UConn women's lacrosse team fell at Hofstra 17-11 in the 2021 season opener last Saturday afternoon. Watson and LaPrise led the Huskies with three goals apeice. Hofstra jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before senior Stephanie Palmucci scored the first goal of the Huskies' season. The Huskies battled back, outscoring Hofstra 4-1 to end the half to trail 9-7 at the break. UConn got the first goal of the second half to pull within a goal but the Pride ran off five-straight to pull away. Hofstra's Alyssa Parrella led all scorers with seven goals and one assist.
2021 Non-Conference Schedule… The Huskies will play a shortened non-league slate this spring as they prepare for their return to the BIG EAST conference. After Saturday's match-up with Hofstra, UConn will head to UMass Lowell before playing three-straight at home against New Hampshire, Albany and UMass at the brand-new Joseph J. Marrone Stadium at Rizza Performance Center. The Huskies close the non-conference slate with a return match-up on the road at UMass.
Return to the BIG EAST… After playing the past two seasons in the American Athletic Conference, the Huskies make their return to the BIG EAST Conference this spring. UConn qualified for the BIG EAST Tournament for five-straight years from 2013 through 2016 while head coach Katie Woods and her staff were twice named the Coach / Coaching Staff of the Year (2013, 2015).
Due to COVID-19 protocols, teams will play two-game series against each other this spring for a total of 10 league games. The Huskies will open up BIG EAST play on March 19 and 21 at Marquette and also play at Butler on March 26 and 27 and at Villanova on April 16 and 18. UConn will host Denver on April 9 and 11 and Georgetown on April 23 and 25. The BIG EAST Tournament is set for May 6 and 8 at Georgetown.
Preseason Polls and Awards… The Huskies were tabbed 4th in the Preseason BIG EAST Coaches' Poll while senior Sydney Watson (Prince Frederick, Md.) and junior Lia LaPrise (Windsor, Conn.) were named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST team. Watson was a unanimous pick.
