Field hockey: UConn looks to remain undefeated in Big East play heading into Providence

The UConn field hockey team travels to Rhode Island this week to take on the Providence Friars at 3 p.m. After steamrolling Quinnipiac, momentum remains on the Huskies’ side.

After losing to the Bobcats last Friday, UConn was ranked No. 5 and continues to move up the rankings each week. Clinching first place is every team’s dream and they are unlikely to slow down now.

When you think about the two in-conference rivalries, everything is one-sided and favors UConn. Connecticut is hoping for another win and has a 37-9-3 record against Providence. After a four-game losing streak between 1989 and 1990, the Huskies never looked back, posting a 22-game winning streak since then.

Desperate for a winning streak of their own, the 5-8 Friars ended their losing streak against Connecticut last year with a thrilling 2-1 victory. Providence has struggled to win and has lost its last five games, playing all but one on the road. With all odds stacked against them, it’s a challenge to pull off an upset.

The Huskies have a good chance of beating the Friars this weekend. The team forces players to hit hard and is no stranger to deconstructing the opposing offense. She has saved 39 shots so far and is difficult to score on goalkeeper Natalie McKenna.

Several players deep in UConn’s offense are contributing to the growing effort. Striker Sophie Perschk is a must watch. With four goals in the last three games, the striker leads the team to victory alongside Juul Sauer.

As Sauer sees fewer goals and more playmaking, he has opened the field to more opportunities. The freshman bonded with several teammates throughout the season and assisted on two goals in the last two games. Since Sauer only scored once between the University of Albany and Villanova, he has a big game coming up. Against Quinnipiac, the striker put the goalkeeper under pressure and took three shots, two of which were on goal.

It could also happen that Julia Bressler and Isabel Soeters continue their hot phase. The two took chances and scored goals, giving them a great performance. With five goals in five of the last six games, Bressler’s performance continues to rise. With four goals and a hat trick, Soeters has developed into an important role from corner kicks in recent games. As he thrives on offense, the rising freshman continues to maintain momentum.

Sol Simone hasn’t missed a single shot on goal in eight games and is keeping the goalkeepers on their toes. Whether it’s one shot or four, Simone relies on her accuracy.

When it comes to the last five meetings, there is no letting up for Connecticut. However, taking over Providence is the first step.