Huskies Score Two in 4th quarter, Upset No. 14 UMass on the Road

Sunday, October 5

Amherst, MA

1:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(5-5, 2-1)

Massachusetts

(10-2, 3-1)

UConn

Massachusetts

Huskies Score Two in 4th quarter, Upset No. 14 UMass on the Road

10/6/2025 9:05:00 AM | Field Hockey

Box Score

AMHERST, Mass. — UConn women's field hockey secured a 2-1 victory over No. 14 nationally ranked Massachusetts with a decisive two-goal fourth quarter at Gladchuk FH Complex.

The first quarter began with UConn's Natalie McKenna in goal, successfully defending an early shot attempt by Massachusetts' Cara Falconer at 2:06. UConn's offensive efforts included a shot by Olivia McKenna at 2:58, which was saved by Myrte Van herwijnen of Massachusetts. Abby Davidson also attempted a shot for the Huskies at 10:39, which was blocked by the defense. As the quarter concluded, both teams remained scoreless, with the scoreboard reading 0-0.

Massachusetts struck first in the second quarter with Kristy Leonard scoring at 20:50, assisted by Lina Kroeger, marking Leonard's second goal of the season. UConn's Olivia McKenna responded with a shot at 26:15, but it went high, missing the target. The quarter concluded with Massachusetts holding a 1-0 lead over UConn.

UConn opened the third quarter with a strong save by goalie Natalie McKenna at 36:31, denying Massachusetts' Mia Smith an early opportunity. UConn's offensive momentum included multiple attempts, with Sol Simone's shot being blocked and Violeta Francese's effort also stopped by a defensive save from Elena Cloconeanu. Julia Bressler took two shots later in the quarter, one saved by the Massachusetts goalkeeper, and the other blocked. The quarter concluded without a change in score, maintaining Massachusetts' 1-0 lead.

UConn opened the fourth quarter with a decisive offensive push as Sol Simone scored at the 49:24 mark, marking her second goal of the season and leveling the score at 1-1. Just minutes later, Lene Bujes capitalized on an assist from Pien Prins at 51:10, giving UConn a 2-1 lead with Bujes' third goal of the season. Massachusetts attempted to respond, but a key save by UConn's goalie at 54:34 preserved the lead. UConn maintained their advantage as Massachusetts failed to score with a late attempt at 59:50 going high. The quarter concluded with UConn holding a 2-1 lead over Massachusetts.

Sol Simone scored one goal on two shots, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Lene Bujes netted the game-winning goal with her lone shot on target. Pien Prins added an assist, setting up one of the team's goals. Natalie McKenna, in goal, made three saves across four shots faced, maintaining a solid defensive performance.

In their next game, the Huskies will travel to Philadelphia to face Temple on October 10 at 3 p.m.