University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
28-8-2
Princeton
23-11-0
No. 6 UConn Takes Down Princeton, Advances to Regional Final
3/13/2026 12:56:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 6 UConn women's hockey earned their first-ever NCAA Tournament win on Thursday night, defeating No. 9 Princeton, 4-1 at Pegula Ice Arena. Kyla Josifovic scored two goals while Tia Chan made 41 saves, propelling the Huskies to the regional final against Penn State on Saturday.
The first period began with Princeton controlling much of the puck possession, but UConn's defense, anchored by Tia Chan in goal, made several key stops to keep the Tigers off the board. Chan made 16 of her 41 saves in the opening period.
UConn capitalized on its opportunities, taking the lead with under four minutes remaining in the first period as senior defender Emma Eryou scored her third goal of the season, giving the Huskies a 1-0 advantage. The first period ended with UConn holding a one-goal lead. Shots favored Princeton in the opening period, 16-5.
Princeton scored an equalizer midway through the second period, knotting the game at 1-1.
Five minutes after Princeton tied it, senior forward Kyla Josifovic scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal, her first of the night and 15th of the season, putting UConn back in front, 2-1.
Both teams continued to apply pressure to close out the second period, generating numerous shots but both goaltenders each made key saves to prevent further scoring. UConn took the 2-1 lead into the third period. This season, the Huskies are 22-2 when leading after the second period. Shots were in favor of UConn in the second frame, 15-7.
UConn extended its lead seven minutes into the third period as Josifovic found the back of the net for her second goal of the game, her third multi-goal game and second two-goal performance against Princeton this season. With two points in the game, Josifovic became the third Husky in program history to reach 40 points in a season and first under head coach Chris MacKenzie.
Princeton applied pressure in search of a comeback, but they were unable to find a way past Chan, who made 19 saves in the third period. The Tigers pulled their goaltender with three minutes remaining in favor of an extra skater, setting up junior forward Julia Pellerin to net an empty-netter, sealing the win for the Huskies. Pellerin is now up to 14 goals this season.
The Huskies were outshot 42–30 by Princeton but still managed to secure a 4-1 victory. UConn effectively killed off their two penalties, while Princeton also killed their lone penalty kill of the game. UConn demonstrated strong defensive efforts, blocking 16 shots compared to Princeton's five, achieving at least 16 blocks for the second consecutive game, which contributed to limiting Princeton's scoring chances despite the shot disparity. Both teams were evenly matched in the faceoff circle, each winning 30 draws. UConn's ability to secure at least 30 faceoffs in three consecutive games was highlighted by Brooke Campbell, who won at least 7 faceoffs for the third straight game.
Claire Murdoch recorded three assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Murdoch now has 27 assists this season, tying the single-season assists program record. Josifovic scored two goals, including the game-winner, and added six blocked shots on defense. Pellerin found the back of the net once, finishing with four shots and two blocks. Eryou also scored a goal, tallying two shots on the night. Chan made 41 saves, allowing just one goal to secure the victory.
Up Next
UConn will square off against No. 3 Penn State for a spot in the Frozen Four on Saturday, March 14. Puck drop is set for 2:00pm at Pegula Ice Arena. TICKETS
