FINAL SCORE
Monmouth 1 (0-1)
#15 UConn 2 (1-1)
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – In its first game of the 2023 season, the Monmouth University Field Hockey Team was defeated by the #15 UConn Huskies, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at So Sweet A Cat Field.
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The 15
th-ranked Huskies opened the scoring at the 8:56 mark and held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Newcomer
Sofia Fouces would tie the game in the second quarter, however. The junior deposited one high into the cage on a rebound shot after being stopped on her initial try. The goal, coming at 17:11, is Fouces's first in her collegiate career.
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At the half, both teams had registered 10 shots with the score tied at one.
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After a scoreless third, the Huskies deflected a shot passed freshman goalkeeper
Jessie Eiselin at the 48:59 mark, grabbing a 2-1 lead. Eiselin, in her first career start for the Hawks, made five saves on the day.
Monmouth would pull Eiselin with 3:35 remaining in favor of an extra attacker, and although the Hawks generated chances, UConn's Natalie McKenna stayed poised in net with 10 total saves to lead her Huskies to the 2-1 road win.
NOTES & QUOTES
"I was really impressed by some of the attacking momentum and opportunities we generated today. We just made a few mistakes that we will correct. We are all looking forward to bouncing back strong on Wednesday." – Head Coach
Carli Figlio
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- The contest kicks off the 27
th season of Monmouth University Field Hockey.
- Monmouth loses its season opener for the first time since 2021 (L, 2-1 at Boston U).
- UConn leads the all-time series 2-0.
NUMBERS CRUNCH
-
Sofia Fouces netted her first career goal.
- Fouces and graduate transfer
India Shakespeare led the Hawks with four shots on goal each.
- On her birthday, captain
Reese Bloomstead made her 56
th consecutive start.
- Monmouth outshot UConn 17-15 in the game, and Monmouth landed more shots on goal, 12-7.
- UConn earned eight corner opportunities, while Monmouth had two.
NEXT UP
The Hawks host in-state rival Rider at So Sweet A Cat Field on Wednesday, August 30 at 11:00 a.m.
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