Huskies Fall to #8 Harvard

Sunday, September 14

Storrs, CT

1:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(2-4, 2-3)

Harvard

(5-0)

Harvard

UConn

9/14/2025 2:49:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. — UConn women's field hockey fell to no. 8 Harvard by a final of 2-0 on Sunday, as the Crimson maintained their undefeated record with a goal in both the first and fourth quarters.

Harvard took an early lead against UConn in the first quarter with a goal from Lara Beekhuis at 1:08, her first of the season. UConn's Natalie McKenna registered a save on a shot by Harvard's Lucy Barker at 6:45, maintaining the score at 1-0. Both teams received green cards, with Emily Bronckers penalized for Harvard and Violeta Francese for the Huskies, as the quarter concluded with Harvard ahead.

The second quarter saw UConn's defense holding firm against Harvard, with McKenna making a crucial save on a shot by Tilly Butterworth following a penalty corner. The team attempted to capitalize on their own opportunities, with Francese's shot being blocked and Abby Davidson's attempt going wide after a penalty corner by Sol Simone. Despite the efforts, the quarter ended scoreless, keeping Harvard ahead with a 1-0 lead.

Harvard applied early pressure in the third quarter with three penalty corners and shots by Bronte-May Brough and Beekhuis, all saved by UConn's goalkeeper McKenna. UConn responded with a penalty corner and three shots of their own, but Linde Burger, Harvard's goalkeeper, denied the attempts from Lene Bujes, Olivia McKenna, and Pien Prins. Despite the offensive exchanges, neither team managed to alter the scoreline, and the quarter concluded with Harvard maintaining a 1-0 lead.

UConn was unable to capitalize on their opportunities in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to Harvard. Despite securing a penalty corner at 55:33, UConn saw shots from Julia Bressler and Davidson saved by Harvard's goalkeeper Burger. Harvard's Martha le Huray sealed the scoring with a goal at 57:12, assisted by Sage Piekarski, marking le Huray's first goal of the season.

Natalie McKenna recorded six saves over 60 minutes in goal, keeping UConn competitive throughout the match. Davidson contributed offensively with two shots, one of which was on goal. Olivia McKenna managed a shot on goal, adding pressure to the opposing defense. Prins also shot on goal, testing the opposition's goalkeeper.

The next challenge for the Huskies takes them on the road to Villanova, PA, where they will face Villanova on September 19 at 3 p.m.