HAMDEN, Ct. – The University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University have matched up 16 times in women’s field hockey, going all the way back to 2002. The Huskies have defeated the Bobcats all 16 times, a streak that was extended on Friday. UConn defeated Quinnipiac in a defensive struggle, by a final score of 1-0.

The only goal from Friday’s contest was scored by Huskies freshman forward Madi Herb. The opening period goal was the first of the season for Herb. The victory improved 18th ranked Uconn’s record to 6-7 overall, and 3-1 in the Big East.  

As for Quinnipiac, the loss dropped their record to 1-10 overall, and 0-4 in the Big East. Despite the defeat, the Bobcats left the field with their heads held high after a strong defensive performance.

One of the players that was integral in shutting down the Huskies was senior Amanda Funaro. The defenseman cited a word that was thrown around by the team in the locker room that stayed with them throughout the game.

“Before the game, one word we talked about was grit, and I think we definitely showed up and were gritty today,” said Funaro. “UConn is one of the top performers in the country for field hockey, so it was huge that we lost 1-0.”

The Bobcats stellar defense was on display throughout the game. UConn out-shot Quinnipiac 15-7, and 9-3 with shots on goal, yet the Bobcats defense was able to hold the Huskies offense to just one goal. 

Quinnipiac goalkeeper Mack Vorel was vital in her team’s defensive stand Friday afternoon by stopping those shots. She recorded seven saves in the loss. 

The junior even did the little things to keep the game close. Throughout the game, she continually knocked the ball loose from UConn forwards before they could even get a shot off. Her impact was felt beyond the stat sheet.

Quinnipiac head coach Becca Main reiterated what Funaro said about her team’s defense. Main went into detail about how her squad was able to improve defensively. 

“Every day is defense now, it has been every day for two weeks, and you’re seeing it, obviously that was our problem,” said Main. “When you’re not playing defense, and you’re putting yourself behind the 8-ball over and over, that’s a tough thing.”

The Bobcats aren’t back in action until next Friday, Oct. 15, when they travel to Washington, D.C. to take on Georgetown in another Big East battle. Uconn returns home for a non-conference matchup with Boston University on Sunday.