Huskies Fall to #8 Duke

Sunday, October 19

Storrs, CT

12:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(7-8)

Duke

(11-4)

Duke

UConn

10/19/2025 8:13:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut field hockey team fell to Duke University 1-0 on Sunday, despite a strong defensive performance that saw UConn's Natalie McKenna post six saves.

UConn began the first quarter asserting pressure with a penalty corner initiated by Sol Simone at 9:32. The team generated multiple scoring opportunities, including a wide shot by Fien Hollander and a blocked attempt by Lene Bujes. Pien Prins also tested Duke's defense with a shot on goal, but it was saved by Kaiya Chepow. Despite UConn's efforts, the quarter closed with a score of 0-0.

Duke's Macy Szukics scored the first goal of the game early in the second quarter, assisted by Madison Beach and Alaina McVeigh, following a penalty corner play. UConn's Natalie McKenna made a key save against a shot by Ava Cickavage, maintaining a close contest. Despite UConn's efforts, including a shot by Violeta Francese that went wide, the quarter ended with Duke leading 1-0.

UConn faced an intense defensive challenge as the third quarter commenced, with Duke applying pressure through multiple penalty corners and shots. McKenna stood firm in goal, registering crucial saves against attempts from McVeigh and Julia Boehringer. As the quarter progressed, UConn shifted momentum following a green card on Duke's Cickavage, creating opportunities on the offensive end. Francese and Zita Grigoliet both tested Duke's goalkeeper, Chepow, but were unable to find the back of the net. The quarter concluded with UConn maintaining pressure through consecutive penalty corners but without altering the scoreboard. The score remained 1-0 in favor of Duke at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter commenced with UConn's defense holding firm against Duke's advances. McKenna made crucial saves against shots from McVeigh and Brynn Crouse, maintaining the scoreline. UConn's defensive efforts kept Duke from extending their lead, closing the quarter with the score remaining 1-0 in favor of Duke.

Their next game will take place on Friday, October 24, as they host Old Dominion at 1 p.m. at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex in Storrs, CT.