University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
28-9-2
Penn State
33-5-0
Huskies Fall to Penn State in Regional Final
3/14/2026 8:02:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 6 UConn women's hockey lost to No. 3 Penn State, 3-0 in the Regional Final on Saturday afternoon at Pegula Ice Arena. The Huskies finish the season with a 28-9-2 overall record, the most wins in a season in program history.
Penn State opened the scoring early in the first period, as Matilde Fantin gave the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead 100 seconds into the game. Penn State continued to mount pressure, making UConn goaltender Tia Chan make 14 saves in the opening period. The first period concluded with the Nittany Lions in front, 1-0. Shots favored Penn State, 15-7.
UConn and Penn State remained locked in a defensive battle throughout the second period, with neither team able to find the back of the net. Chan turned away 14 more shots in the second frame, denying the Nittany Lions attack of extending their lead. Despite facing back-to-back penalties, giving Penn State a 5 on 3 advantage, UConn's defense held firm, successfully killing off both power plays to keep it a one-score game. On the offensive side, the Huskies managed to generate more chances with more puck possession in their offensive zone but could not find a way past Penn State goaltender Katie DeSa. The second period concluded with UConn trailing 1-0. The Nittany Lions edged the Huskies in shots, 14-12 in the second frame.
In the third period, UConn's offense generated multiple chances at an equalizer, putting 17 shots on goal, but DeSa stood tall in net for the Nittany Lions. Penn State extended their lead to 2-0 with under seven minutes to go in the game. UConn had two power-play opportunities down the stretch, but Penn State's defense held firm, keeping the Huskies scoreless for just the third time this season. The Nittany Lions went on to seal it with an empty netter with 17 seconds left to make it 3-0.
UConn was outshot 42–36 by Penn State, despite a strong effort in the third period with 17 shots on goal. On special teams, the Huskies went 0-for-2 on the power play, while Penn State was 0-for-4. The faceoff battle was nearly even, with UConn winning 38 out of 75 draws. UConn also blocked 15 shots, their third straight game blocking 15+ shots.
