University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
(5-6)
Yale
(9-2)
Huskies Fall to Yale in Shootout
10/12/2025 2:33:00 PM | Field Hockey
STORRS, Conn. — No. 17 ranked Yale University edged the UConn Huskies in a tense overtime battle, securing a 1-0 victory with a shootout win.
The first quarter commenced with UConn setting up defensively, as Natalie McKenna took her position at goalie. Yale applied early pressure with multiple shot attempts, including a save by McKenna at the 8:05 mark, following a penalty corner. Despite Yale's frequent offensive pushes, UConn's defense remained steadfast, successfully blocking and redirecting shots to keep the visitors from scoring. The Bulldogs found the back of the net early in the 1st but the goal was waved off. As the quarter concluded, both teams remained scoreless, with UConn maintaining a strong defensive front to end the quarter at 0-0.
The second quarter commenced with UConn initiating an early offensive effort marked by a penalty corner from Sol Simone. Julia Bressler followed with an attempt on goal, which was saved by Yale goalkeeper Amelie Schwarzkopf. Bressler continued to apply pressure with another shot, which went wide. Yale responded with a penalty corner in the 24th minute, but UConn's defense held firm, blocking Maddy Zavalick's shot. Violeta Francese added to UConn's offensive efforts with a shot that went wide, closing the quarter with both teams locked in a scoreless draw. The score remained 0-0 at the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter commenced with UConn applying immediate pressure through a penalty corner executed by Simone at 33:36. Despite multiple offensive attempts, including shots by Pien Prins and Simone, Yale's goalkeeper, Schwarzkopf, successfully defended the goal. UConn continued to push offensively with another penalty corner at 42:22 taken by Olivia Donahue. Bressler attempted to capitalize but sent her shot wide. The quarter ended with the score remaining tied at 0-0, as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
The fourth quarter began with UConn attempting to break the tie as Abby Davidson took a shot at 48:33, which was saved by Yale's Schwarzkopf. Despite another effort by Simone at 52:30, UConn could not find the back of the net, as the shot went wide. Yale then applied pressure with multiple penalty corners between the 55th and 56th minutes, resulting in a saved shot by McKenna and another blocked attempt. However, UConn's defense remained resolute, preventing any scoring from Yale. The quarter concluded with the score still locked at 0-0, marking a defensive standoff to end regulation.
The overtime period commenced with UConn immediately asserting pressure through consecutive penalty corners by Simone at 61:36 and 61:46. Juana Garcia followed with a wide shot attempt at 61:55, keeping UConn's offensive momentum alive. Yale responded with a penalty corner at 62:40, triggering a series of shot attempts. However, UConn goalkeeper McKenna made crucial saves against shots by Ymre Massee, Kaitlyn Chang, Lauren Venter, and Victoria Collee. The period concluded with the score remaining tied at 0-0, as McKenna's defensive efforts preserved the deadlock.
As the second overtime period commenced, UConn faced early pressure with Yale earning a penalty corner at 71:18. Despite shots on goal by Hettie Whittington and Venter, UConn's defense, led by keeper McKenna, held firm, blocking one attempt and saving two others. Nearing the end of the period, UConn shifted momentum with a penalty corner at 78:52. Milou Heuker fired a shot on goal, but Yale's Whittington made a defensive save, keeping the score level. The period concluded without a change in the scoreboard, maintaining a 0-0 tie.
The shootout began with Yale's Chang successfully converting her attempt against UConn's goalkeeper McKenna. Bressler was first up for UConn, but her attempt was thwarted by Yale's Schwarzkopf. Yale's Chiara Picciafuoco then missed her opportunity, with McKenna making the stop. UConn's Simone also missed her attempt, unable to get past Schwarzkopf. Yale's Collee was next to miss as McKenna held firm in goal. UConn's Lene Bujes followed but was similarly denied by Schwarzkopf. Whittington of Yale scored, giving them an edge in the shootout. Davidson had the final chance for UConn, but her attempt was saved, concluding the shootout with Yale leading 1-0.
The next challenge for the Huskies comes on October 17, when they host Georgetown at 1 p.m. at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT.
