Mars Brace Propels WSOC Against Villanova

Saturday, October 18

Storrs, CT

7:00 PM

University of Connecticut

Villanova

10/18/2025 10:50:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. - The UConn women's soccer team (9-3-3, 5-1-2 BIG EAST) utilized a pair of second half goals from Se-Hanna Mars to defeat Villanova (9-6, 4-3 BIG EAST) on Saturday night at Morrone Stadium.

The redshirt freshman scored her first career goal in a victory against Butler on Wednesday and continued her great play with the help of her teammates on Saturday.

Senior captain, Chioma Okafor, set up the Manchester, Conn. native in the 51st minute by storming past a Villanova defender and feeding a pass to a wide open Mars at the top of the box. The forward slid her shot past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Moments later in the 57th minute, it was freshman Maree-Anne Van Doesburg creating the scoring chance. The Montreal, Quebec native crossed over a Villanova defender, found space towards the end line and slipped a pass to Mars just outside the six. Mars lifted her shot past the keeper and padded the UConn lead.

The UConn defense posted its ninth shutout of the season and its fifth in BIG EAST play. Freshman goalkeeper Ava Yamas made a pair of saves including a leaping save at the start of the second half that kept the game knotted at 0-0.

The Huskies notched their fifth BIG EAST win of the season, already more than their four last season prior to winning the BIG EAST Championship. With two games remaining the Huskies have a chance to surpass their 2023 total of six BIG EAST wins, which is the most since UConn rejoined the league in 2020.

UConn also moved a step closer to punching its ticket to the four-team BIG EAST Championship. The Huskies could clinch a spot on Wednesday at DePaul with a win, a tie and Marquette loss/tie or just a Marquette loss/tie.

The Huskies honored their six seniors on Senior Night with Kaitlyn Richins, Lina Dantes, Abbey Merchant and Chioma Okafor honored before the match. Anna Carson and Kelly Monaco were also recognized after being honored last year on Senior Day.