Spring Break
Taking it to the Terriers
Three different Huskies score in non-conference win
Colin McDonough
Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: News
UConn field hockey has lost only twice this season. After Wednesday night's win over Boston University, the Huskies have bounced back both times.
No. 7 UConn moves to 15-2 on the season, while the Terriers drop to 7-9. The Huskies were in control for the majority of the game, but it did not start off that way. Jacinda McLeod got the scoring started for the Terriers with a goal off a penalty corner.
"BU came out a bit more motivated than we did," said coach Nancy Stevens. "We came back and played much better the rest of the game but we can't let a team play harder than us to start the game."
The Huskies were down 1-0 for almost ten minutes before Loren Sherer tied the game off a penalty corner for her 24th goal of the season, which was assisted by Kim Kryzk and Allison Angulo. Melissa Gonzalez gave UConn the lead going into the half with another penalty corner goal assisted by Jestine Angelini. In the second half, the Huskies tacked on an insurance goal scored by Angulo, assisted by Sherer.
Although Gonzalez scored the difference-maker in the game, she admits that the play was not designed to go that way.
"I was actually trying to clear a path for a shot but it came to my stick and I shot it in," Gonzalez said. "I was in the right place at the right time and I'm glad it happened like that."
"Melissa's engine was incredible. Her work rate remains exceptional and she was just magnificent tonight, that's all you can say really," Stevens said.
Stevens was proud of the way Gonzalez played, but it was senior goaltender Andrea Mainiero who stole the show.
"Andrea was brilliant, she was under a lot of pressure tonight and she played exceptional," Stevens said. "It was easily her best game of the season."
Although it was not a shutout for Mainiero it was the most saves she's gotten in a game this year with 12. UConn was outshot for the first time this season, 19-13. If it were not for the play of Mainiero, the result may have been different. BU's goalie, Amanda Smith, made eight saves while allowing three goals. The Terriers played up to the Huskies level, and it may not be the last time UConn faces BU this season. The Terriers are undefeated in the America East conference, and the winner of the conference tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
"They have a great chance to get back to the NCAA tournament this year. It was a real important win for us. These are the kinds of wins that are big for the tournament. They are a very talented team," Stevens said.
UConn exacted some revenge on Boston University after last year's 2-0 defeat in Boston. It is UConn's first win over BU since 2007. The Huskies now lead the all-time series 22-8 between the two New England schools. UConn's next game is at Rutgers on Friday in New Jersey.
No. 7 UConn moves to 15-2 on the season, while the Terriers drop to 7-9. The Huskies were in control for the majority of the game, but it did not start off that way. Jacinda McLeod got the scoring started for the Terriers with a goal off a penalty corner.
"BU came out a bit more motivated than we did," said coach Nancy Stevens. "We came back and played much better the rest of the game but we can't let a team play harder than us to start the game."
The Huskies were down 1-0 for almost ten minutes before Loren Sherer tied the game off a penalty corner for her 24th goal of the season, which was assisted by Kim Kryzk and Allison Angulo. Melissa Gonzalez gave UConn the lead going into the half with another penalty corner goal assisted by Jestine Angelini. In the second half, the Huskies tacked on an insurance goal scored by Angulo, assisted by Sherer.
Although Gonzalez scored the difference-maker in the game, she admits that the play was not designed to go that way.
"I was actually trying to clear a path for a shot but it came to my stick and I shot it in," Gonzalez said. "I was in the right place at the right time and I'm glad it happened like that."
"Melissa's engine was incredible. Her work rate remains exceptional and she was just magnificent tonight, that's all you can say really," Stevens said.
Stevens was proud of the way Gonzalez played, but it was senior goaltender Andrea Mainiero who stole the show.
"Andrea was brilliant, she was under a lot of pressure tonight and she played exceptional," Stevens said. "It was easily her best game of the season."
Although it was not a shutout for Mainiero it was the most saves she's gotten in a game this year with 12. UConn was outshot for the first time this season, 19-13. If it were not for the play of Mainiero, the result may have been different. BU's goalie, Amanda Smith, made eight saves while allowing three goals. The Terriers played up to the Huskies level, and it may not be the last time UConn faces BU this season. The Terriers are undefeated in the America East conference, and the winner of the conference tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
"They have a great chance to get back to the NCAA tournament this year. It was a real important win for us. These are the kinds of wins that are big for the tournament. They are a very talented team," Stevens said.
UConn exacted some revenge on Boston University after last year's 2-0 defeat in Boston. It is UConn's first win over BU since 2007. The Huskies now lead the all-time series 22-8 between the two New England schools. UConn's next game is at Rutgers on Friday in New Jersey.
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