University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
(12-8, 6-1BIG EAST)
Wake Forest
(15-5, 7-1ACC)
Huskies Defeat Wake Forest To Advance In NCAA Tournament
11/14/2025 7:45:00 PM | Field Hockey
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Huskies dominated in their win against Wake Forest this afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
After a slow start in the first quarter, goalkeeper Natalie McKenna made a crucial save at 9:13 to keep the score tied at 0-0 heading into the second quarter.
UConn erupted in the second, taking the lead at the 28:04 mark with an impressive goal off a corner by Fien Hollander, assisted by Zita Grigoliet and Sol Simone. The Huskies successfully defended Wake Forest's only corner of the quarter at 20:52. Lene Bujes responded with two shots on goal, both saved at 24:44 and 22:58. UConn was awarded two additional corners, the first resulting in a wide shot by Pien Prins at 26:45. The quarter ended with the Huskies leading 1-0.
UConn kicked off the third quarter with a shot on goal by Hollander following a corner, which was saved. Another corner attempt led to two more shots by Hollander at 41:03 and 41:07, both of which were stopped. Due to the Huskies' strong defensive effort, the Demon Deacons were unable to respond, keeping UConn ahead 1-0 heading into the final 15 minutes.
The Huskies' defensive performance continued to shine in the fourth quarter, denying back-to-back Wake Forest corners at 45:10 and 45:18, one blocked and the other saved impressively by McKenna. After a review, Julia Bressler scored off a penalty stroke at 52:04, extending UConn's lead to 2-0. The defense continued to dominate, with Sol Simone denying another Wake Forest penalty corner at 53:02. Wake Forest left the net empty at 55:56, giving UConn an opportunity that led to penalty corners at 58:33 and 59:36. Bressler was awarded another stroke, but after review, the goal was waived off. The Huskies' hustle and intensity throughout the game allowed them to shut out Wake Forest and secure the win with a final score of 2-0.
UConn will continue their tournament run against Harvard on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Berylson Field.
Team Stats
Fien Hollander
Assisted By: Zita Grigoliet , Sol Simone
GOAL by UCONN Fien Hollander (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Zita Grigoliet and Sol Simone.
28:04
Julia Bressler
UCONN Julia Bressler PENALTY STROKE GOAL.
52:04
