#10 Huskies Cruise Past Wildcats in Home Opener

Friday, September 18

Storrs, CT

3:00 PM

University of Connecticut

(6-1, 2-0)

Villanova

(5-3, 0-2)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Villanova	0	0	1	0	1
UConn	0	2	0	1	3

9/18/2026 4:48:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. — The number 10 UConn field hockey team defeated Villanova 3-1 on Friday afternoon, in the Huskies home opener. The Huskies finished with a 17-3 advantage in shots and an 11-1 edge in shots on goal.

The Huskies created the early pressure in the first quarter, putting shots from Abby Davidson and Ellie Goldstein on goal in the opening three minutes, but Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears saved both. UConn added a wide attempt from Emma Larit later in the quarter, while Villanova's lone penalty-corner chance led to a wide shot. The quarter ended scoreless at 0-0.UConn broke through in the second quarter when Zich scored the opening goal at 27:24, assisted by Maya Everett and Fien Hollander. Goldstein followed at 28:40 off Lene Reiche's assist, and the Huskies entered halftime with a 2-0 lead.

The Huskies generated all six shots and both penalty corners in the second quarter, while Villanova did not record a shot in the quarter. Zich and Goldstein scored for UConn, with Maddi Sears making two saves for Villanova as the Huskies carried a 2-0 lead into halftime.

UConn put together three penalty corners in 17 seconds midway through the third quarter, with Marlijn Swaan forcing a save and Paige Keller having a shot blocked before Davidson's penalty stroke was saved by Maddi Sears. Villanova scored late through Ava Borkowski off Aimee Largoza's assist at 44:36, sending the Huskies into the fourth quarter ahead 2-1.The Huskies converted a late penalty corner in the fourth quarter, as Zich scored at 58:19 off assists from Milou Heuker and Charlotte Ritter to make it 3-1. Earlier, UConn generated two corners and three shots, including saves on attempts by Zich and Faith Everett. The Huskies held Villanova scoreless in the quarter and closed out the 3-1 win.

UConn generated the stronger pressure in the third quarter, earning three penalty corners and putting a shot on goal, but Maddi Sears saved Swaan's attempt and Davidson's penalty stroke. Villanova scored the quarter's only goal at 44:36, with Ava Borkowski finishing off an Aimee Largoza assist to leave the Huskies ahead 2-1.The Huskies controlled the fourth quarter statistically, recording all four shots and all three penalty corners while holding Villanova without a shot in the quarter. Zich scored off assists from Heuker and Ritter at 58:19 for the quarter's only goal, closing out UConn's 3-1 win.

Zich scored twice, including the first goal, and put three of her four shots on goal. Goldstein added a goal and placed all three of her shots on goal. Davidson finished with four shots, two on goal, and attempted a penalty stroke. Hollander recorded an assist and put her lone shot on goal.