University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
7-1
Albany
2-5
Shaffer, Watson Shine as No. 22 UConn Downs Albany, 16-11
3/22/2022 5:22:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
ALBANY, N.Y. – Taking the road for the first time in over two weeks, the No. 22 UConn women's lacrosse team picked up its sixth straight win as it downed Albany, 16-11, Tuesday afternoon at John Fallon Field.
Junior Kate Shaffer recorded a hat trick in the first quarter and set a new career high with six goals on the day. Senior Sydney Watson also produced a six-goal effort, slotting four via free position chances, and won 10 draw controls. Senior Julia Ozimek shined on the defensive end with a team-high three caused turnovers and collected three ground balls.
Shaffer got the attack firing early on, working a pair of solo drives to the cage as the Huskies pushed out a 3-0 advantage midway through the opening quarter. The Great Danes rallied to knot it at 3-all until Shaffer finished off a first-quarter hat trick to give UConn a one-goal edge.
Senior Grace Coon kept the momentum on UConn's side to start the ensuing quarter, five-holing the Albany keeper before Shaffer and junior Madelyn George capped what proved to be a 3-0 run. Watson extended her point streak to 30 games in the waning seconds of the half as the Huskies doubled up the Great Danes, 8-4, at the break.
Albany got within two to start the third before Watson added two more free position goals, and Shaffer finished a feed from senior Stephanie Palmucci to keep the Huskies in front, 11-8, heading into the fourth.
Watson and Shaffer remained red-hot on the attack, as Watson started the frame with a pair of goals in transition while Shaffer added another free position rip. Watson matched Shaffer with her sixth score on her own free position shot, and junior Lauren Barry sealed a 4-0 streak to give UConn a six-goal grip with just over three minutes left.
The Huskies will return to Storrs as they start a three-game stretch at Morrone Stadium, starting with Hofstra on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m.
