WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Junior
Imani Jenkins struck the back of the net twice to propel the Hartford women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Stonehill on Friday evening. The Hawks improve to 1-0-0 on the season, while the Skyhawks fall to 0-1-0.
HARTFORD 2, STONEHILL 1
Jenkins got the offense going for Hartford in the 22nd minute, converting on a feed from senior
Victoria Jedrychowski to open up the scoring. Five minutes after the opening goal, Jenkins would come close to doubling the advantage with a shot off of the right woodwork. Sophomore goalkeeper
Abigail McCarthy came up big inside the net for Hartford, making a pair of clutch saves, denying Stonehill from leveling the score late in the half. The Hawks defense continued to hold strong, carrying its 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
Both teams came out strong to open the second half, trading scoring opportunities. In the 58th minute, Jenkins would give the Hawks some breathing room, netting her second goal of the match after a brilliant through ball from senior
Ishani Sharma, giving the Hawks a 2-0 lead. However, Stonehill would answer back eight minutes later with a goal of its own, closing the gap to 2-1. Despite a late push from the Skyhawks, McCarthy and the Hawks' defense would hold strong, closing out the win by a score of 2-1.
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES
- The Hawks take the initial lead of 1-0 in the all-time series against Stonehill
- McCarthy earned the win in her collegiate debut, recording nine saves
- Jenkins recorded her third career game scoring at least two goals
- Jedrychowski and Sharma each recorded their first assists on the season
- Freshmen Andrea Buzas, Lindsey Metcalfe, Kellsie Flint, Lila Doyle, Rebecca Opdenbrouw and Tara Martin each made their collegiate debuts
- Hartford improves to 23-10-5 on opening day
NEXT ON TAP
Hartford will be back in action this weekend for a Sunday matinée against Lafayette. Kickoff between the Hawks and Leopards is slated for 12 p.m. from Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.
