University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
(1-0)
New Hampshire
(0-1)
Huskies Weather UNH Storm, Secure First Win of 2025 Season
8/29/2025 8:24:00 PM | Field Hockey
DURHAM, N.H. — The University of Connecticut (1-0) secured a 4-3 victory over the University of New Hampshire (0-1) on Friday in a closely contested match, highlighted by UConn's decisive two goals in the second quarter.
Connecticut's defense was put to the test early in the first quarter, with Natalie McKenna making multiple saves against consecutive penalty corners executed by New Hampshire. At the 13:08 mark, Connecticut capitalized on a penalty corner as Pien Prins scored her first goal of the season and first career goal, assisted by Sol Simone, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead. The quarter concluded with Connecticut maintaining their advantage, largely due to McKenna's crucial saves and effective teamwork on the offensive end.
Connecticut started the second quarter strong with Olivia McKenna fresh off a Team USA appearance scoring her first goal of the season at 16:52, bringing the score to 2-0. New Hampshire responded with a goal by Emily Coughlin at 18:30, assisted by Kathelijne Knuttel. UConn extended its lead to 3-1 when Prins scored at 22:14 off a penalty corner, with Simone providing the assist.
The third quarter began with a strong defensive effort from UConn, highlighted by Natalie McKenna's impressive performance in goal, making three crucial saves against New Hampshire's offensive attempts between the 35th and 36th minutes. Despite New Hampshire's persistent attacks, including multiple penalty corners led by Addison MacNeil, Connecticut's defense held firm. The Huskies managed to keep the score steady at 3-1 by the end of the quarter, with Lene Bujes and Abby Davidson both making attempts on goal early on.
Connecticut struck quickly at the start of the fourth quarter with captain Julia Bressler netting her first goal of the season just six seconds in, extending the lead to 4-1. New Hampshire responded with two consecutive goals by Faye Meijer, assisted by Kathelijne Knuttel and Louette Petiet, narrowing the margin to 4-3. The quarter concluded with Connecticut maintaining their lead despite New Hampshire's late push, including a blocked shot by Meijer after a penalty corner in the final moments.
Junior forward Prins led the Huskies with two goals, including one game-winner, on three shots, all on target. Goalkeeper McKenna recorded six saves across four quarters, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Forward McKenna and Bressler each netted a goal, with McKenna's goal being unassisted. Midfielder Simone provided two assists, enhancing the team's offensive play.
Looking ahead, UConn will face no. 9 Saint Joseph's on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Durham, N.H.
Team Stats
Pien Prins (1)
Assisted By: Sol Simone
GOAL by Connecticut Pien Prins (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Sol Simone, goal number 1 for season.
13:08
Olivia McKenna (1)
GOAL by Connecticut Olivia McKenna, goal number 1 for season.
16:52
Emily Coughlin (1)
Assisted By: Kathelijne Knuttel
GOAL by New Hampshire Emily Coughlin, Assist by Kathelijne Knuttel, goal number 1 for season.
18:30
Pien Prins (2)
Assisted By: Sol Simone
GOAL by Connecticut Pien Prins, Assist by Sol Simone, goal number 2 for season.
22:14
Julia Bressler (1)
GOAL by Connecticut Julia Bressler, goal number 1 for season.
45:06
Faye Meijer (1)
Assisted By: Kathelijne Knuttel
GOAL by New Hampshire Faye Meijer, Assist by Kathelijne Knuttel, goal number 1 for season.
47:01
Faye Meijer (2)
Assisted By: Louette Petiet
GOAL by New Hampshire Faye Meijer, Assist by Louette Petiet, goal number 2 for season.
48:07
