Huskies Rally Past Massachusetts in Shootout Victory

Sunday, October 4

Storrs, CT

1:00 PM

University of Connecticut

Massachusetts

10/4/2026 3:40:00 PM | Field Hockey

STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut defeated Massachusetts 2-1 in a shootout on Sunday afternoon at Nancy Stevens Field. The Huskies and Minutewomen played to a 1-1 tie through regulation and two overtime periods before UConn earned the 4-3 shootout victory.

UConn finished with a 7-8 disadvantage in shots and a 2-5 deficit in shots on goal. The Huskies earned one penalty corner compared to four for Massachusetts, while Natalie Mckenna recorded four saves in 90 minutes of play.

Olivia McKenna led the Huskies with two shots on goal and scored UConn's lone regulation goal. Fien Hollander and Lucy Zich were credited with assists on the goal.

The Huskies and Minutewomen played through a scoreless first half, with both teams recording two shots in the opening quarter. UConn's best early opportunity came at 5:51 when McKenna put a shot on goal that was saved by Massachusetts goalkeeper Rozárie Mrázová.

Massachusetts created pressure early in the third quarter, with Mckenna making two saves on shots from Kristy Leonard and Amber Fairon. UConn answered at 34:32 when Olivia McKenna found the back of the cage off assists from Hollander and Zich, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead.

Massachusetts responded less than six minutes later when Emily Barrett scored at 39:56 off assists from Sophie Kent and Megan Carpenter, tying the game at 1-1. The score remained even through the remainder of regulation.

The teams played a scoreless overtime period, with Mckenna making another save on a shot from Niamh McKenzie at 65:20. Zich had UConn's lone shot of overtime at 74:01, but the attempt went wide, sending the game to a shootout.

In the shootout, UConn converted four attempts, with Lene Reiche scoring twice, Lucy Zich converting once and Olivia McKenna delivering the game-winning shot. Natalie Mckenna made four crucial saves during the shootout, helping the Huskies secure the 4-3 shootout victory.

With the win, UConn improved to 4-0 in shootouts this season and moved to 9-1 overall and 3-0 in BIG EAST play. The Huskies will return to action on Friday, Oct. 9, when they host Temple at 3 p.m. in Storrs.