Boston College next opponent for UConn field hockey

The undefeated No. 4 UConn field hockey team continued their winning ways Thursday night, defeating No. 16 Boston College, 5-1, in Newton, Mass.

It was easy sailing for the Huskies the entire way, as they jumped out to an early lead on a Chloe Hunnable goal – her first of two on the evening – in the sixth minute.

By halftime, graduate student Louisa Boddy and Hunnable had each tacked on another goal, giving UConn a 3-0 advantage going into the locker room.

Boddy and junior Marie Elena Bolles both added a goal in the second half and junior goalkeeper Sarah Mansfield made five saves and allowed just one goal on the night to secure the victory.

With the win, UConn improved to 16-0 on the season.

The Huskies continue their road trip on Sunday, as they pay a visit to No. 2 Princeton in what will be their toughest match of the season thus far.

Coach Nancy Stevens purposely scheduled a difficult slate of games early on in the season to prepare her team for the showdown with the Tigers. She will soon find out if her preparations were enough.

Princeton – who is ranked one spot above the Huskies in the RPI, currently slotted No. 3 – sports the most dangerous offensive player in the country in its lineup.

But the UConn defense should provide a strong test for Kathleen Sharkley, as they have conceded just .75 goals per game on average through 16 games this year.

Before taking on the Huskies, the 11-1 Tigers must first get past Ivy League rival Harvard, whom they face at home at noon on Saturday.

Game time on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. at Bedford Field in Princeton, N.J.