Huskies Win WLAX Opener

Six goals by junior Sydney Watson led the UConn Huskies to a 19-12
season-opening win over Fairfield on Wednesday.

STORRS—Junior Sydney Watson led the way with six goals as the UConn women's lacrosse team opened the 2020 campaign with a 19-12 win over Fairfield on Wednesday afternoon. Seven Huskies recorded two or more points in the season opener.

Watson scored six goals on 10 shots and added three ground balls and eight draw controls. Senior Olivia Miles added four goals of her own and tallied three ground balls. Sophomores Lia LaPrise and Casey O'Grady got on the scoresheet with two goals and two assists each.

Junior Stephanie Palmucci tallied a goal and three helpers. Fellow junior Abby Vetsch had a goal, an assist, and three draw controls. Freshman Madelyn George scored her first collegiate goal and added a ground ball and a draw control.

The Huskies and Stags began the game exchanging goals until UConn broke through and took a 7-3 lead. UConn would lead the rest of the way, with its biggest lead of the game coming in the second half at 18-9.

Head Coach Katie Woods was pleased with the team's effort Wednesday, getting a balanced offense and solid defense. "I think we did some good things defensively," said Woods. "I'm really happy with the day and I think coming off last season we had a tough game against them, this was really good for us."

The Huskies had plenty of support from their leadership group, with Watson and Miles combining for 10 goals on the afternoon. Woods spoke about the scoring and support from the younger members of the team as well.

"I think every game for a young team is an opportunity to gain experience. The hope is that they gain a little something every game. Little lessons, little positives, so that every game they are coming out more confident."

On Deck

The Huskies now head to Maryland to take on James Madison in a neutral site game at the US Lacrosse Headquarters on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 12 noon.

—Staff Reports