Huskies Fall to #9 Saint Jospeh's in Shootout

Saturday, August 30

Durham, NH

2:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(1-1)

Saint Joseph's

(1-0)

Connecticut

Saint Joseph's

8/30/2025 6:52:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

DURHAM, N.H. — The University of Connecticut Field Hockey team fell to no.9 Saint Joseph's by a final of 2-1 in penalty strokes.

The first quarter saw a series of attempts from both sides with Connecticut's Natalie McKenna making an early save against a shot by Brooke James at 1:18. Sol Simone and Lene Bujes both tested Saint Joseph's goalkeeper, Paige Kieft, with shots at 7:05 and 11:34, respectively. A green card was issued to Emily Tammaro of Saint Joseph's at 11:06, but neither team capitalized on scoring opportunities, leaving the score tied at 0-0 by the end of the quarter.

The second quarter began with McKenna making a crucial save on a shot by Ava Smith at 18:23, showcasing her defensive skills. Despite McKenna's efforts, Saint Joseph's Brooke James scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Tristan Groff, at 18:29. McKenna continued to keep it close with another save against Lily DeWan's shot at 25:06, as the quarter ended with Saint Joseph's leading 1-0. Saint Joseph's earned five penalty corners in this period, while UConn did not register any.

The third quarter saw UConn make significant strides after a scoreless first half. Starting with a defensive highlight, McKenna recorded a crucial save against an early shot by Saint Joseph's Ava Smith at 30:46. The Huskies capitalized on offensive opportunities, with Simone executing multiple penalty corners. This effort paid off when Pien Prins scored her first goal of the season at 42:46, assisted by Simone, leveling the game at 1-1 by the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Simone consistently setting up opportunities with three penalty corners starting at 46:14. Despite efforts from Julia Bressler and Prins to capitalize on these corners, the shots were blocked or went wide. On the defensive end, McKenna made a crucial save against a shot from Saint Joseph's Adele Jardemar at 51:16, maintaining the 1-1 tie as the game concluded.

The overtime period began with UConn's lineup featuring McKenna, Zita Grigoliet, Milaw Clause, Milou Heuker, Bressler, Simone, and Juana Garcia. Early into the period, at 63:46, UConn was awarded a penalty corner, taken by Simone, leading to a blocked shot attempt by Bressler shortly after. Despite a shot on goal by Olivia McKenna at 67:09, which was saved by Kieft, the period ended without a change in the score, closing at 1-1.

Overtime commenced with McKenna making crucial saves for the Huskies, stopping shots from Alison Buffington and Emily Tammaro early in the period. Simone's penalty corner at 73:27 set up a notable opportunity, although UConn was unable to capitalize. Despite attempts from Clause and Bressler later in the period, the shots were blocked or went wide, and the game remained scoreless during this period.

Connecticut showcased a strong performance during the shootout period with successful attempts by Bressler, Bujes, Abby Davidson, and Garcia. Despite a missed attempt by Simone, UConn maintained a competitive edge with four goals. Saint Joseph's, however, matched the intensity with successful shots by Erika Culp, Jardemar, Buffington, and Smith, leading to a close contest. The Huskies outscored the Hawks four-three in the shootout after a scoreless seventh period. Goalkeeper Kieft provided crucial saves, allowing UConn to edge the home team.

McKenna showcased her skills with nine saves in the recent match, conceding only one goal. Forward Bressler led the team with four shots, one of which was on target. Midfielder Simone contributed with an assist and two shots on goal. Prins recorded a goal from three shots, with one being on goal.

Looking ahead, UConn will face Brown on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT.