Huskies Blank Rutgers; Advance to BIG EAST Tournament Final

Boxscore(.pdf)

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Chestnut Hill, MA (November 7) --  2003 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year Lauren Henderson (Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe) scored two goals and All-BIG EAST First Team member Mary Jo Malone (Water Mill, NY) added another, as the University of Connecticut field hockey team defeated Rutgers in the semifinal round  of the BIG EAST Tournament in Chestnut Hill, MA.

The Huskies dominated from the start, out-shooting Rutgers 18-to-3 and out-cornering the Scarlet Knights 15-to-2 on the evening.  Henderson got the scoring started for Connecticut just 3:53 into the contest.  After the Huskies were awarded a penalty corner, Henderson attempted a shot that was deflected by a Scarlet Knight defender.  The rebound came right back to Henderson who fired a shot into the lower left hand corner, giving the Huskies a lead they would not relinquish. 

UConn took a two goal advantage with 20:47 remaining in the second half, on a more conventional penalty corner.  Malone served the ball into 2003 All-BIG EAST First Team selection Abby Ostruzka (Riverside ,CT), who stopped the ball perfectly for Henderson.  Henderson struck a shot that fooled Rutgers keeper Meris  Burton who dove the wrong way.  The Scarlet Knight sweeper was there to get a stick on Henderson’s shot, but the ball deflected into the upper right corner.  Malone added an insurance tally after 2003 All-BIG EAST Second Team honoree Kelly Stolle (Warren, CT) found a seam in the Rutgers defense and dribbled down the baseline.  Stolle dished to a waiting Malone who slapped the ball into the back of the net. 

BIG EAST Goaltender of the Year Maureen Butler (Red Hook, NY) stopped both shots she faced, while the Husky attack forced Burton to make eleven saves. 

The Huskies will play for the BIG EAST Championship against Boston College, Sunday November 9 at 2:00 p.m. in Chestnut Hill