University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
(1-0)
Liberty
(1-1)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Liberty | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
No. 15 UMass Picks Up Season-Opening 3-2 Win vs. No. 8 Liberty
August 29, 2026 | Field Hockey
"We stepped on the field prepared and ready to compete today," said head coach Barb Weinberg. "We knew how strong of an opponent Liberty is and our team executed the game plan very well. The staff was very pleased with the team hockey we played, particularly in the second half. This was a great result for us and our focus is now on preparing for Maine tomorrow."
After a scoreless first quarter, last year's leading scorer Barrett scored UMass' first goal of the season at the 20:43 mark. The Flames pulled even as the clock expired in the half, playing out the penalty corner that was called in the final seconds of the stanza.
Liberty took its first lead just 2:45 into the second half on a reverse by Luna Prieri that was placed perfectly into the corner of the cage.
UMass fought right back, as McKenzie scored her first UMass goal in the 41st minute.
It was McKenzie again who converted at the 57:22 mark, off an assist from Isla Campbell – Campbell's first-career point.
The Minutewomen didn't allow a shot the rest of the way to wrap up the thrilling victory.You have to see our game-winning goal today vs. No. 8 Liberty ??
— UMass Field Hockey (@UMassFH) August 30, 2026
From our defensive zone, finished by Niamh McKenzie??#Flagship ?? | #SCTop10 | @ESPNAssignDesk pic.twitter.com/zyI2xwuhYP
For the game, UMass held a 10-6 edge in shots while Liberty held a 3-2 advantage in penalty corners. Goalkeeper Rozárie Mrázová made two saves in her UMass debut, across Diane Saint Martin, who tallied two as well.
UMass now has a top 10 win in three straight seasons. Last year, the Minutewomen defeated No. 4 Boston College. The year prior, UMass topped No. 6 Saint Joseph's in the regular season, then No. 4 UConn and No. 10 Harvard in the NCAA Tournament.
The Minutewomen have a quick turnaround, looking to keep the momentum going on Sunday when they play Maine at 12 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Emily Barrett (1)
Assisted By: Sophia Ponzini
GOAL by Massachusetts Emily Barrett (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Sophia Ponzini, goal number 1 for season.
20:43
Teshawn De La Rey (1)
Assisted By: Dara Semmartin
GOAL by Liberty Teshawn De La Rey, Assist by Dara Semmartin, goal number 1 for season.
30:00
Luna Prieri (2)
GOAL by Liberty Luna Prieri, goal number 2 for season.
32:45
Niamh McKenzie (1)
GOAL by Massachusetts Niamh McKenzie, goal number 1 for season.
40:47
Niamh McKenzie (2)
Assisted By: Isla Campbell
GOAL by Massachusetts Niamh McKenzie, Assist by Isla Campbell, goal number 2 for season.
57:22
