Game: Lady Flames field hockey loses to Connecticut

The No. 17 Liberty women’s field hockey team lost a tough home game against the No. 3 UConn Huskies during Liberty’s inaugural breast cancer awareness game Oct. 26. 

The Lady Flames fell to a record of 9-5 with a 4-2 record in the Big East as conference rival UConn won the back-and-forth contest 6-3.  

Both teams came out strong during the first period, with the Flames capitalizing on their aggressive, intense play with Jill Bolton’s ninth goal this season before the 10-minute mark of the first period. 

But the Huskies answered with a quick goal on a corner play, and despite strong play from goalkeeper Allison Schaefer, who had three saves throughout the contest, the Huskies were able to capitalize and score on three out of four corner plays to keep ahead for much of the game. 

Even with goals from Charlotte Vaanhold and Lizzie Hamlett, the Flames failed to narrow the Huskies lead, with the Huskies outshooting the Flames 12-10. 

The Flames kept up with UConn for much of the first half, but with four UConn goals in the second half, the Flames were unable to catch up with their opponent before the final horn sounded. 

The loss continued a one-game losing streak for Liberty. With three regular season games left this fall, two against Big East opponents, the field hockey team will look to improve before the Big East Championship Tournament Nov. 8-10.