UConn, Syracuse battle for Big East title

As the field hockey season winds down, games become crucial for the seven teams competing for four spots in the Big East conference. Syracuse and UConn have already secured two of the spots, making these next few games pivotal. The teams played seven games this weekend, resulting in tough competition for the Big East teams.

The No. 6 Georgetown Hoyas lost two games this weekend, leaving them with an overall record of 2-14. Saturday, Georgetown was defeated 4-1 by our own UConn Huskies. At halftime, UConn was up a staggering 4-0. The Hoyas fought back, scoring one goal in the second half, but couldn’t keep up with UConn’s fast-pace-game. Georgetown’s goalie Briana Pereia made her career high of 17 saves in one game. On Sunday, the Hoyas played an afternoon game against Fairfield University. Fairfield outshot Georgetown 27-3 and had an early 2-0 lead at halftime. Emma Hamstra replaced the Hoyas starting goalie Pereia 48 minutes into the game, but she couldn’t hold off Fairfield’s offense resulting in a 6-0 loss.

No. 5 Villanova lost 1-0 to their rivals No. 4 Providence on Saturday afternoon. Both teams were evenly matched, resulting in a scoreless first half. Although Villanova outshot and out-cornered Providence, the Friars still came out on top. Caitlin Malone scored the only goal of the game for Providence and goalie, Kathi Weidman, got her second shut out victory of the season.

The No. 3 Rutgers Scarlet Knights played two games this weekend, winning the first and losing the second. On Saturday, the Scarlet Knights took on the No. 2 Louisville Cardinals to defeat them 3-1. Louisville outshot Rutgers 10-8 and had nine corners compared to the Scarlet Knight’s four, but couldn’t convert the win. Rutgers' Danielle Freshnock scored two goals ,while Sophie Write scored one to help win the game. Yet on Sunday, Rutgers couldn’t keep the winning streak alive, losing to the Lafayette Leopards 2-0. The Leopards scored a goal within the first four minutes of the match, and continued to outplay the Scarlet Knights leading 2-0 at halftime. Although Rutgers lost this game, goalie Sarah Stuby got her record career high of ten saves in one game.

After their loss against Rutgers on Friday, the No. 2 Louisville Cardinals came back to beat Wake Forest 2-1 in their match on Sunday. Although Wake Forest took the early lead scoring a goal a mere four minutes into the game, they couldn’t hold on to the lead for much longer. Louisville came back scoring a goal off a deflected corner shot to tie the game at 1-1. The Cardinal’s Michelle Amon scored the game-winning goal nine minutes before the game ended.

The No. 1 Syracuse Orange suffered their first loss against UMass on Thursday. The Minutewomen’s Noralie Weusthuis tied the game 1-1 ending Syracuse goalie Leanne Stiver’s 437-minute shut out. UMass’ Thando Zono scored the game-winning goal with 7:05 remaining in the game. However, on Friday, Syracuse came back stronger than before, beating Stanford. The Orange’s Alyssa Manley and Kelsey Millman each scored two goals to help Syracuse win 4-1. Syracuse outshot Stanford 14-4. Despite the Orange’s stunning loss, Syracuse still remains No.1 in the NCAA league and UConn’s biggest competition in the field.