By Kevin Noonan, QBSN Staff Writer

After dropping the season opener to Yale 19-12, Quinnipiac (0-1) has to face another tough test to start the season in the UConn Huskies (2-0) on Saturday at noon.

The Bobcats gave up six goals in the first 6:31 of the game to fall behind early, but were able to cut the halftime deficit to four at 12-8 after late half comeback.  Yale proved to be too much for Quinnipiac as they outscore them 7-4 in the second half to close the game at 19-12.  Sophomore Kyra Ochwat (Farmingdale, N.Y.) lead the way for the Bobcats with 5 goals and 1 assist while junior Michaela Tinsley (Shrewsbury, Mass.) score four goals.  Senior Sarah Allen (Glastonbury, Conn.) assisted two goals, including her 112^th career assist to move into first on Quinnipiac’s all-time list.  Sophomore Samantha Tilts (Port Washington, N.Y.) gave up seven goals on 8 shots in the first 9:31 before giving way to freshman Rachel Massicotte (Wayland, Mass.) who allowed 12 on the final 18 shots of the game.

Last time out, UConn is coming off a 13-8 win over No. 15 Boston College, their first win against a ranked opponent in nearly six years.  The matchup was fairly even throughout the game, and Boston College took an 8-7 lead with 20:24 remaining in the second half.  UConn prevailed in the end scoring the final six goals of the game to finalize it 13-8.  Carly Palmucci scored four goals to lead the way for the Huskies while Kacey Pippitt and Lauren Kahn added three goals each.  Shannon Nee saved eight of 16 shots in net for the Huskies.

Keys to the game

Quinnipiac

• Defense: Allowing 19 goals in one game is difficult, and both Tilts and Massicotte struggled in net for the Bobcats.  The blame cannot be completely placed on them, as the defense could not stop Yale in the early going, but by then it was too little too late.  If they can hold UConn to around 10 goals, it could be an interesting game.
• Attackers: Quinnipiac has three high scoring threats to lead its attack.  Ochwat, Tinsley and senior Lianne Toomey (Hicksville, N.Y.) combined to score 11 of the 12 goals, so look for the Bobcats to run their production through these three.
• Sarah Allen:  Last season she lead the NCAA with 64 assists for the year, and if the Bobcats want success this year they need to run the offense through her in order to set up the entire offense.

UConn

• Penalties:  The Huskies have not taken a penalty in either game they have played this season compared to two for Quinnipiac in one game, so look for UConn to remain penalty free in going for the victory.
• Stay in the game: As long as UConn is within a few goals of the lead, they will be able to come on strong in the end just like they did after taking on No. 15 Boston College.  They trailed by one goal late and won by five, so this team can overcome late deficits.
• Midfield: UConn has two midfielders who have done well scoring in the early part of the season.  Kahn and Pippitt have combined to score 13 of the 26 goals for the season, including three apiece against BC.  These two have propelled the Huskies attack, and if they can get the scoring going from the midfield on Saturday, look for UConn to top the Bobcats.