Sept. 22, 2002

Box Score

Villanova, PA- The Villanova field hockey team dropped its Big East opener to the visiting UConn Huskies by the score of 2-1. The loss drops Villanova's record to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Huskies improve to 3-5 and 1-0 in the Big East.

It didn't take long for the Wildcats to get on the board, when freshman Rory Rogers took a pass from Sarah Burdette and found the back of the net, just :49 seconds into the game. The goal was Rogers' second tally of the season.

The teams would rally back and forth, but Connecticut added the equalizer mid way through the first half. Abby Ostruzka found Lauren Christie off a corner and Christie converted for the goal. The game remained tied heading into the half.

Villanova came out intense at the beginning of the second half, putting several shots on goal, and generating penalty corners. However, the 'Cats were stymied by the Husky defense and key saves from goalkeeper Maureen Butler.

Connecticut was able to break the deadlock at the 46:06 mark when Mary Jo Malone scored on a pass from Kelly Cochrane for what proved to be the game winner.

Villanova mounted a late rally, but was unable to capitalize on any scoring chances. The 'Cats look to snap their four-game losing streak Saturday, when they host Big East foe Rutgers for a 1:00 game.