The UConn Huskies are finding themselves after a turbulent start to the season. Behind Grace Nolan, the Huskies were expected to do big things season season, but after a 1-2 start, it seemed like they were reeling.
On Wednesday in New Hampshire, the Huskies finally looked like the team they were expected to be. Despite going down 4-2 early, they went on a tear where they didn’t allow the Wild Cats to get any momentum, winning 16-8.
That win came after defeating California at home a few days before. Behind Nolan and Grace McDonald (Westwood, Mass), the Huskies offense has picked it up with 28 goals over their past two contests.
Maybe more impressive, the defense, and goaltending of Grace Beshlian, have allowed just 16 goals in that span.
That note matters if one would look at the rest of their early schedule, with a 21-9 loss to James Madison just before the win over California.
After facing UMass at home on Saturday, the Huskies have a tough road trip with games at Albany, Ohio State, and Butler. How they come back from that trip should give a lot of answers about the Huskies identity.
Players of the Week
Ellie Carson, Dartmouth: The six-goal effort from Carson helped Dartmouth earn their second victory of the season, 12-8 over Albany on Wednesday.
Sam Apuzzo, Boston College: If expectations weren’t high enough for Eagles sophomore Sam Apuzzo, she keeps raising the bar. The attacker scored nine times with an assist in the 20-14 win over Navy on Tuesday.
Jenna Joyal, Liberty: The New Fairfield, Connecticut native tallied four times in the Flames’ 14-9 win over Robert Morris on Sunday.
Freshmen of the Week
Jordan Lappin, Boston College: Lappin scored three goals in the Eagles 22-14 win over Brown on Saturday. She’s found a role in an offense that already has plenty of weapons.
Debbie Phillips, Hartford: In a great showing for the Hawks, Phillips scored five times with two assists in the 20-4 victory over Delaware State from Saturday.
Goalie of the Week
Maddie Burns, Army: The Ridgefield, Connecticut native stood tall in net for the Black Knights, making nine saves in a 9-6 victory against Iona on Wednesday.
What’s Ahead
Binghamton at Boston College: The Eagles have soared to a great start, as expected, and will play in stormy conditions at home on Friday against the Bearcats.
Fairfield at New Hampshire: The Stags are in the national conversation after a stunning win over Stony Brook. It’s been a short week for UNH, who have had an up and down start to the season.
Columbia at Dartmouth: The Big Green are still finding themselves and will play a fellow Ivy. Columbia is 1-3 this season.
Sacred Heart at Quinnipiac: While the Pioneers are still seeking their first victory of the season, the Bobcats, behind Ashley Bobinski, are hoping to win their third in a row.
Bryant at Hartford: The Bulldogs have played just once this season, a 16-6 win over Albany. Hartford is trying to get back into the win column, and will have to contest with Bryant’s Jess Demeo.
UMass at UConn: UMass is projected to be a power this year, but are 1-3. It’s an opportunity for UConn to try to get back on the tracks again after a nice midweek win as well.
UMass Lowell at Colgate: The hope for Lowell was to make another big leap this season, but the River Hawks are still looking for that first win.
Princeton at Brown: Behind freshman sensation Risa Mosenthal, Brown has been able to score all season. Now, conference play begins for the Bears.
Manhattan at Vermont: The Catamounts have been inconsistent, but were strong last week against Siena. They’ll look for their first win streak of the season against Manhattan.
Loyola at Holy Cross: Holy Cross just can’t seem to find its offense this season, and they face winless Loyola looking to change that.
Harvard at Yale: The Crimson have to be happy with a west coast split, and return east to face their rival, 3-0 Yale.
