Flames Field Hockey Falls to University of Connecticut

The No. 4-seeded Liberty University Field Hockey team fell 2-1 to the top-seeded University of Connecticut in the 2024 Big East Field Hockey Championship semifinals held Friday, Nov. 8 at Providence University’s Lennon Family Field. 

Despite holding a 1-0 lead at halftime, the Lady Flames couldn’t fend off a strong second-half rally by the Huskies, who advanced to the final with the victory.

Liberty struck first in the 13th minute when freshman defender Dara Semmartin converted a penalty corner, sending a powerful drag flick past UConn sophomore goalkeeper Natalie McKenna. Junior midfielder Lou Combrinck and graduate midfielder Reagan Underwood each assisted the goal, with Underwood’s contribution marking a fitting moment in her storied career.

Underwood, who will leave Liberty as the program’s all-time leader in career starts, played a crucial role in the Flames’ success throughout the season.

Despite constant pressure from UConn’s attack, Liberty’s defense stood strong throughout the first half. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Michaela Skinner made three key saves, and the Flames successfully stymied all three of the Huskies’ penalty corner attempts. Heading into halftime with a 1-0 lead, Liberty appeared poised to upset the top seed.

However, UConn came out firing in the second half, with junior forward Juana Garcia leading the charge. Garcia leveled the score in the 38th minute, slotting the ball past Skinner after a well-placed pass from freshman forward Juul Sauer.

Just six minutes later, Garcia struck again, this time with the game-winning goal. Off a quick restart by freshman midfielder Isabel Soeters, the ball ricocheted off a Liberty defender. After the ball landed, Garcia swept it into the net, which gave the Huskies a 2-1 advantage.

Liberty fought back in the final quarter, generating four penalty corners and two shots on goal in an effort to equalize. In the final minutes, Skinner was pulled in favor of an extra attacker, but despite the increased pressure, UConn’s defense held firm and secured the victory.

With the win, UConn advances to the championship game, where it will face the No. 2 seed Temple University. For Liberty, this loss brings an end to a season filled with both triumph and challenges. 

Despite the loss, the Lady Flames can build on this experience as they aim for a Big East title in the years to come.

Jolly is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion.