UConn remains undefeated with OT win

The UConn women’s lacrosse team beat Fairfield University 12-11 in overtime to continue their perfect season. This 5-0 start to the season marks UConn’s best start since 2000.

The first goal of the game was scored within seconds of the draw. UConn’s Catherine Gross scored for first goal for the Huskies assisted by Morgan O’Reilly. Gross scored the next goal as well, leaving UConn up 2-0 with 26:58 left in the half. Fairfield’s Jenna Slowey scored a goal off a free position shot bringing the Stags back into the game. Kacey Pippitt scored an unassisted goal with 23 minutes left on the clock giving UConn the advantage by two. Fairfield quickly came back, scoring two goals in less than three minutes to tie the game at 3-3. This tie, however, did not last very long. UConn’s Lauren Kahn scored two goals, while Gross, Alexandra Crofts, and O’Reilly each scored a goal to bring UConn up 8-3 with 1:53 left before the half. Fairfield’s Kelly Fenton slipped in one last goal with seven seconds left on the clock to leave the score 8-4 at halftime.

Fairfield came out strong in the second half, scoring the first goal within a minute after the draw. Pippitt scored a goal for the Huskies, assisted by Carly Palmucci, but Fairfield answered with three consecutive unassisted goals to bring the score to a close 10-8 lead for UConn.. With thirteen seconds left on the clock Fairfield’s Chloe Morgan scored an unassisted goal to tie the game at 11. This goal brought UConn into their first overtime of the season. The Huskies responded well under pressure fighting until the very end. UConn’s O’Reilly led the Huskies to a 12-11 victory when she scored the unassisted winning goal in overtime with 42 seconds left. Although Fairfield outshot UConn 25-24, the Huskies were able to maintain control where it counted. The goalies Shannon Nee and Marya Fratoni recorded nine saves each this game. The Huskies also led in draw control with 15 compared to Fairfield’s 12. Both teams were tied with 16 turnovers each throughout the game.

UConn’s next game will be played at home against Binghamton. Although the Bearcats should not be taken lightly, the past two years the Huskies have beaten Binghamton 14-12 and 11-9. However, this year UConn has to maintain a different challenge. As they continue their undefeated season, the target on their back is getting bigger. Each team they play will be more and more eager to take them down. The Huskies seem to be ready for anything, making this season even more exciting. UConn will be put to the test next Saturday as they take on the Bearcats at home at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex with the hope to maintain a perfect season.