WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Hartford women's soccer team soared to victory claiming the CNE Championship over the third-seeded Gordon College Fighting Scots this Saturday afternoon by a final score of 6-0.
Rapid Recap:
The Hawks made an early statement, scoring within the first four minutes as junior Rebecca Opdenbrouw (Vernon, Conn.) found the net with an assist from freshman Angela Chavez (Glastonbury, Conn.). The Hawks kept up the pressure, with shots from sophomore Kathleen Brush (Wethersfield, Conn.) and Opdenbrouw testing the Fighting Scots' goalkeeper. Just ten minutes later, graduate student Imani Jenkins (Middletown, Conn.) scored to push the lead to 2-0. Chavez added her own goal in the 20th minute with a sharp left-footed strike, bringing the score to 3-0.
The Hawks continued their aggressive play, taking two corner kicks through Brush and graduate student Christina Stone (Glastonbury, Conn.). In the final minutes of the first half, Stone delivered another corner, which Opdenbrouw assisted to sophomore Morgan Egan (East Granby, Conn.) for the Hawks' fourth goal. Graduate student May Cervone (Milford, Conn.) attempted another before halftime, but it was saved by the Scots' keeper, leaving the score at 4-0.
The Hawks opened the second half with more pressure, as Jenkins took a shot just above the crossbar and Brush followed up with an attempt of her own. After a few fouls on both sides and a yellow card for Gordon’s Galvin, Jenkins scored again, slipping past two defenders with an assist from Brush to make it 6-0. That was all Hortford needed, as they held down the fort through the final whistle to claim the school's first championship in the CNE.
Post Game Press:
Graduate student Imani Jenkins (Middletown, Conn.) was asked how it feels to be a conference champion at the end of the game, "We set this goal early in the season, we put in the work, we woke up at 5 A.M. every morning for practice, so this feels amazing." She continued to say, "I don't think a lot of people can say they ended their college career with a championship, I am still trying to soak it all in and I love this team."
Graduate student Christina Stone (Glastonbury, Conn.) said, "I am still processing this win, but I am so grateful to be a part of this team and to have this experience I just couldn't ask for better teammates."
Graduate student May Cervone (Milford, Conn.) said, "I have never been so proud to play for a team, all of these girls put the work in, have made an impact on this team, this school, and on my life personally. I am forever grateful for this experience." When asked to reflect on their shut-out defensive performance this season she continued to say, "this stems from Sejal, and the entire defensive line: Metcalfe, Juliana, Andrea, and Mia, it is amazing to have a defense that is solid and continues to work for eachother no matter what."
Inside the Numbers:
- Opdenbrouw leads the Hawks offensively with an impressive two goals and an assist, along with three shots at goal.
- Jenkins followed right behind with two goals of her own with four shots on net.
- Chavez grabbed her third goal of season in today's match with her clever goal to the upper right.
Up Next:
Hartford is waiting to hear if they will be in the ECAC tournament, selection will begin next week. Gordon will represent the CNE in the upcoming NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship due to Hartford being ineligible for NCAA Championships in 2024-25. It is the final season Hartford is ineligible at the Division III level.