Huskies Fall to #18 Rutgers in OT

Friday, September 12

Storrs, CT

3:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(2-3)

Rutgers

(4-2)

Rutgers

UConn

Photo by: UConn Athletics

9/12/2025 5:09:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. — The UConn women's field hockey team fell to no. 18 Rutgers Friday afternoon by a final of 3-2, with Rutgers clinching the win in overtime on Friday at Nancy Stevens Field.

In the first quarter, Sophie Kuiper put the Scarlet Knights on the scoreboard at 11:46 with her second goal of the season. The Huskies' defense, led by goalkeeper Natalie McKenna, responded with crucial saves, including a stop on a follow-up attempt by Kuiper just three seconds after her goal and another save against Dani Gindville at 14:17. Despite these defensive efforts, the home team ended the quarter trailing 1-0.

The second quarter commenced with UConn's Julia Bressler taking an early shot at 19:21, which was saved by Rutgers' goalkeeper, Emily Nicholls. Despite a penalty corner opportunity for Rutgers at 20:28 and a subsequent shot by Julia Vinas Nieto, McKenna made a crucial save to keep the score unchanged. Abby Davidson also managed a shot at 29:05, but Nicholls was once again there for the save, concluding a scoreless quarter for both teams and leaving the Scarlet Knights leading 1-0.

The third quarter began with UConn pressing offensively, as Bressler and Davidson both took early shots that went wide. Rutgers responded with pressure, but McKenna made crucial saves on attempts by Anna Cogdell and Paulina Niklaus. UConn maintained their momentum with a series of penalty corners, and at 44:42, Bressler found the back of the net off an assist from Sol Simone and Juana Garcia, leveling the score at 1-1. The Huskies were aggressive throughout, with Bressler and Davidson both creating opportunities despite being denied by Nicholls multiple times. The Scarlet Knights' Kuiper came close but hit the post, leaving the score tied at 1-1 at the end of the quarter.

UConn took the lead early in the fourth quarter with Simone's first goal of the season at 46:34, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite a wide shot attempt from Davidson shortly after, the defense, led by McKenna in goal, faced a barrage of Rutgers' attempts, including a crucial defensive save by Milaw Clause at 54:29. However, the Scarlet Knights managed to level the score with Olivia de Zwaan's goal, ending the quarter at 2-2. Despite a defensive save by Clause and a key save from goalie McKenna, the Huskies were unable to hold onto their advantage, resulting in a dramatic draw at the end of regulation.

Overtime commenced with a tense atmosphere as McKenna made a crucial save against a shot by Olivia Fraticelli at 62:52, maintaining the deadlock. However, at 65:50, Rutgers' Puck Winter capitalized on a penalty corner, assisted by Kuiper, to secure a 3-2 victory.

Natalie McKenna made seven saves in goal to anchor the defense for the Huskies. Julia Bressler found the back of the net, tallying one goal on four shots, with three on target. Sol Simone contributed both offensively and defensively, recording one goal and one assist. Abby Davidson pressured the opposing defense with four shots, two of which were on target.

In their next game, UConn will host Harvard at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT. The match is set for Sunday, September 14, at 1 p.m.