Women’s lacrosse looks to extend winning streak

The UConn women’s lacrosse team will look to extend their winning streak to four games as they take on the University of New Hampshire today.

UConn is coming into the game outscoring their opponents thus far, 46-16, en route to a 3-0 start.

The last time these two teams faced off, UConn got the best of UNH 12-9.

“Last season and this season is really different,” Head Coach Katie Woods said. “New Hampshire has a new coaching staff, new energy, for us we need to step on the field from the first whistle and play hard like we know how to for the whole game.”

UConn led 8-2 after the first half in their previous matchup with the Wildcats.

“UNH is athletic and goes really hard and has had close games,” Woods said. “We have to play for the whole 60 minutes.”

The Huskies went into the game last season 3-1, and were able to hold off UNH to reach 4-1.

“We were able to put them on some pressure to help our transition game,” Woods said. “We finished when we needed to finish. We stepped up our game defensively.”

UConn has had no problem scoring so far this season, with 13, 13 and 20 goals scored in their first three games of the season.

“As we continue to go through the season, our attackers are getting smarter at what plays are too risky, and when to take shots,” Woods said.

While scoring 46 goals in the first three games of the season, UConn has limited their opponents to final tallies of 2, 8 and 6.

“We’re getting smarter, we just need to make sure that we make every possession count and limit our opponent’s opportunities on attack,” Woods said.

One of UConn’s best attackers, junior midfielder Lauren Kahn, was named Big East player of the week after she totaled 12 points in the first two games of the season.

“She has had a really strong season so far,” Woods said. “The biggest thing is that she is a competitor and thrives in those types of environments, and has matured this past fall and she is someone that is a positive contributor anywhere on the field: attacking, transition or off the draw, and she has really been a strong asset all over the field.”

UConn has been able to take 30 shots per game so far this season, while putting in 51 percent of them. The Huskies also have a total of 26 assists so far this year, compared to their opponents eight.

“The whole plan behind this year is based around the team; we play for each other, we play together from the defensive end all the way through to the attacking end,” Woods said. “We’re really spreading the wealth around and everyone is getting involved and we are really focused on the team for the game.”

The Huskies will face off with UNH today at 3:30 p.m. on home field at the George G. Family Sports Complex.