Tearing down the Ivy

Coach Nancy Stevens has said her No. 5 Huskies take one game at a time, and don't overlook any opponents. Although Harvard was scheduled in between two conference games, they certainly were not overlooked.

UConn scored five first half goals en route to a 6-0 victory over the Crimson last night at the Sherman Family Sports Complex. The Huskies improved their record to 8-0 with the win, while the loss dropped Harvard to 3-2.

"Every game is of the same importance." Stevens said. "We approached this game as a Big East game and I am so proud of how we started out and put the game out of reach."

Loren Sherer, who was named Big East Offensive Player of the Week for the fourth straight week, got things started four minutes into the game with a goal assisted by Allison Angulo. Ali Blankmeyer tallied her eighth goal of the season 22 seconds later with an assist from Cara Silverman. Jestine Angelini made the UConn lead 3-0 off a penalty corner assisted by Kim Kryzk. Sherer scored her thirteenth goal of the season with an assist by Blankmeyer. UConn lead 5-0 at the half after a Katie Semanoff goal. The Huskies also outshot Harvard 17-1 and had seven penalty corners to the Crimson's zero in the first half. After the first half, the Huskies were in complete control of the game.

"Our intensity at the start was important and we were super quick all over the field," Sherer said. "We needed to come out strong tonight and we will have to continue to do that to win the Big East matches and close games against good teams."

In the second half, the Huskies took their foot off the gas pedal and gave their starters a rest. Starters Sherer and Melissa Gonzalez did not play in the entire second half. With the reserves in the game, UConn only found the back of the net once, when Robin Kleine scored her third goal of the season off a penalty corner with four minutes left in the game. UConn outshot Harvard 16-2 in the second half and had three more penalty corners than the Crimson. The second half was important to get reserves playing time in a non-conference game.

"Tonight's game was good to get reserves more playing time," Stevens said. "Injuries can happen in any sport and players need to be ready to step in. It was a good opportunity to get the reserves in the game."

Andrea Mainiero and Allison Karpiak each played a half to combine for the shutout - UConn's third of the season. Mainiero had one save in the first half. Harvard's goalie Cynthia Tassopoulos made 23 saves, while allowing all six goals in defeat.

The Huskies have won the last four meetings between the two schools, and also have a 27-4-2 advantage in the all-time series. It is the fourth straight year UConn has beaten Harvard. No. 16 Louisville will be UConn's next opponent Saturday at noon at the Sherman Family Sports Complex in the Huskiesí second Big East game of the year.