UConn Tops Syracuse; Advances to BIG EAST Finals

BOXSCORE

SYRACUSE, NY (November 8) – A game-ending goal by Lauren Henderson (Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe) lifted the University of Connecticut field hockey team over Syracuse University, 1-0 in overtime, during a semifinal game of the 2002 BIG EAST Tournament at host Syracuse’s Coyne Field.  Under the direction of Nancy Stevens, who was named the 2002 BIG EAST Coach of the Year last evening, the Huskies improved their record to 14-7 overall.  The win advanced the Huskies to the tournament finals on Sunday and the team will be making its tenth championship game appearance, looking for their sixth BIG EAST Tournament title.

The game’s tempo was owned by Connecticut through the entire match with the Huskies out shooting Syracuse, 15-2. The game’s lone goal came with no time left on the clock in the first overtime period.  Henderson knocked in a pass that was shot into the goal area off a penalty corner with three seconds remaining.  Kelly Cochrane (Scarsdale, NY) and Laura Thibodeau (Southbury, CT) assisted on the game-winner.

Besides taking the advantage in shots, UConn also dominated on penalty corners, 12-2.  Maureen Butler (Red Hook, NY) recorded two saves in net for the win, while SU’s Audrey Latsko made seven saves.

UConn, the No. 1 seed in the 2002 BIG EAST Tournament, will face the winner of the Villanova/Boston College on Sunday, November 10 at 12 noon at Coyne Field in Syracuse, NY. The championship winner will automatic qualify for the 2002 NCAA Tournament.