University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Massachusetts
Huskies Set for Rematch at UMass
3/12/2021 1:59:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
STORRS, Conn. – After sweeping a three-game homestand last week, the UConn women's lacrosse team is back on the road Saturday afternoon for a return match-up with the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 pm at Garber Field.
Saturday's match-up with UMass will wrap up the 2021 non-conference portion of the schedule as the Huskies gear up for their BIG EAST opening weekend on March 19 and 21 at Marquette.
Last Week... The Huskies extended their winning streak to four-straight after beating UAlbany 14-11 and then knocking-off No. 22 nationally ranked UMass in overtime, 12-11 at home in Joseph J. Morrone Stadium.
In the win over the Great Danes, senior midfielder Sydney Watson (Prince Fredrick, Md.) scored four goals and won 11 draws to lead the Huskies. Junior Lia LaPrise (Windsor, Conn.) had two goals and three assists while seniors Abby Vetsch (Marcellus, N.Y.) and Stephanie Palmucci (Herndon, Va.) each scored twice.
On Sunday, Watson scored six goals including the overtime game-winner with 1:36 left to deliver the Huskies a 12-11 upset win. In addition to her season-high six goals, she added a season-best 13 draw controls to her totals. UConn sophomore Kate Shaffer (West Hartford, Conn.) scored three goals and classmate Madelyn George (Rush, N.Y.) had two goals and five ground balls. Junior goaltender Landyn White (Alparetta, Ga.) made a season-high 13 saves in the win, including two in the last minute of regulation and another in overtime to help set up Watson's late heroics.
All-Time Series with UMass… The Huskies snapped a nine-game UMass winning streak in the all-time series that dated back to the 2010 season. UConn's last win over UMass came in 2004, a 19-13 win at home. All-time, the Minutewomen hold a 13-4 lead in the all-time series. Their first match-up took place in 1998, UConn's second season of play.
Stat Leaders… The Huskies are leading the BIG EAST and are 24th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 9.40 goals per game. Offensively, the Huskies are second in the league and 18th nationally averaging 14.8 goals per games. UConn is also leading the BIG EAST in ground balls per game at 20.6, putting them 18th nationally.
The combo of Watson and LaPrise lead the conference in goals and assists, respectively. Watson is first in goals (21), goals per game (4.2) and also leads in draw controls per game (9.0). She ranks fourth in the NCAA in draw controls and fifth in goals scored. LaPrise leads in assists (12) and assists per game (2.4). She is ninth nationally in assists.
Goaltender Landyn White is second in the BIG EAST with a 9.81 goals against average and has a league-high 36 saves.
BIG EAST Weekly Awards… For the second-straight week, UConn's Watson was tabbed the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Week. On the week, Watson finished with 10 goals, three ground balls, 24 draw controls and three caused turnovers in wins over UAlbany and UMass.
And Two More National Awards… Watson was also the receipent of a pair of national honors this week. She took home the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association National Co-Offensive Player of the Week and was also tabbed the US Lacrosse Magazine Division I Player of the Week for her efforts.
Added to the Tewaaraton Watch List... It was also announced this week that Watson has been named to the 2021 Tewaaraton Award women's watch lists announced by the Tewaaraton Foundation. The award honors the top male and female college lacrosse player in the United States. Watson is in the early stages of a sensational senior season, having scored 22 goals with an assist in the first five games. The senior midfielder also has a team-leading 45 draw controls.
And One More Honor for Watson… The senior midfielder was named an honorable mention as part of US Lacrosse Magazine's All-Time Women's Black Lacrosse team. Throughout the month of February, US Lacrosse Magazine and Blaxers Blog have partnered to shine on a light on the Black men and women who have paved the way for this generation of lacrosse players and well beyond. With feedback from over 25 members of the lacrosse community, they compiled a list of the best Black men and women to ever step on a lacrosse field.
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.
