WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Hartford women's soccer team is back in the Conference of New England (CNE) Championship after successfully winning the title in 2024. This year bodes different as if the Hawks were to win they would be headed to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006. In Hartford's way is conference rival Endicott College, who looks to win its first conference title since 2023.
No. 1 University of Hartford Hawks (13-3-2 Overall, 7-3-0 CNE)
No. 2 Endicott College Gulls (10-7-2 Overall, 7-3-0 CNE)
Game Headlines:
The Hawks host the CNE Championship for the second consecutive season as Hartford won the 2024 CNE Championship against Gordon College by a 6-0 final on November 9th, 2024. The Hawks were ineligible to make the NCAA tournament last year and went on to win the ECAC Tournament on November 24th against Springfield College. Both teams head into Saturday on five-game winning streaks as Hartford defeated the University of New England by a 1-0 final and Endicott defeated Suffolk University in a penalty shootout to advance to the title game.
Hartford Headlines:
- Hartford's offense has been special once again in 2025 averaging 3.0 goals per contest which is ranked 27th in the country this season. Senior Rebecca Opdenbrouw (Vernon, Conn.) is the catalyst for the attack scoring 14 goals to go with 10 assists this season. Opdenbrouw has also found a knack for the big moment secure six game-winners, including the winner against Endicott College in the first match up. Freshman Anastasia Nerney (Glocester, R.I.) also has been a revelation for Hartford as the first year starter has put together 31 points this season (11 goals, nine assists). Junior Kathleen Brush (Wethersfield, Conn.) (nine goals, six assists) and senior Mayson Massaro (Sarasota, Fla.) also will pose big threats for the offensive attack on Saturday.
- Defensively senior Sejal Johnson (Weddington, N.C.) continues to shine with a 0.94 goals against average on the year and a 13-3-2 record. Johnson has made 72 saves in 1,534 minutes and already has one shutout in postseason play. The back line features junior Mia Mangalji (Toronto, Ontario) and sophomore Caroline Tomas (Stony Point, N.Y.) who have both played key roles all season. Senior Andrea Buzas (Wethersfield, Conn.) and junior Morgan Egan (East Granby, Conn.) have also stepped up big moving to the outside back position in the latter part of the season and finding success.
- In the midfield watch out for holding midfielder junior Reese Sadler (Newington, Conn.) who continues to do the dirty work for this Hartford team, while sophomore Angela Chávez (Glastonbury, Conn.) will continue to spark some creativity off the bench.
- Head coach John Natale looks to win his third conference championship in his 21st season at Hartford. The coaching match up will be interesting to watch this weekend as Lauren Pien is just in her first season as a head coach for Endicott.
Endicott Highlights:
- The Gulls are most known for their defensive prowess as the team has only allowed 0.78 goals per game this season good for 83rd in the country. On offense, Endicott only averages 1.16 goals per game and have only scored three goals or more twice this season. Endicott is riding a three-game streak without allowing a single goal and has seven overall shutouts this season.
- The offense is led by Lily Miller who is the top forward for Endicott, however Miller only has three goals this season. Hannah Lord has been a key contributor with three goals and an assist, while Eliza Walker also has three goals from a reserve role.
- The back line is headlined by Rhiann Dugan who has a goal and an assist on the year. Dugan is just one of four Gulls to start every game this season. Chloe Bauman, Madeline Barbieri and Callie Neils are also players to watch for in this one as they are the core of the defensive unit.
- Samantha MacCormack is the number one goal keeper for the Gulls, however Samantha has only made nine starts with just 21 saves. Amanda Cosgrove is the backup keeper who has saw 10 starts in 2025 with 19 saves.
All-Time Against Endicott:
The Hawks are 3-1 all-time against Endicott College, but are just 1-1 against the Gulls at home. Hartford did defeat Endicott in the semifinals of the CNE tournament last year by a 2-0 margin. This season the Hawks snuck by the Gulls by a 1-0 final on September 27th as Opdenbrouw collected the game-winner in the 82nd minute.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ENGLAND:
Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), and reconstituted as the Conference of New England (CNE) in 2024, the CNE is an NCAA Division III athletic conference composed of 11 full member and five associate member institutions throughout the New England region. Its membership aims to provide student-athletes with a positive experience in their pursuit of excellence through high academic standards, quality competition, and a meaningful student life. The Conference administers championships in 21 intercollegiate sports.
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