University of Massachusets Athletics
Saturday, August 29
Orono, Maine
12:00 p.m.
University of Massachusetts
(1-0)
3
vs
2
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
ORONO, Maine – The 15th ranked University of Massachusetts field hockey team opened its season in a big way on Saturday, beating No. 8 Liberty, 3-2. Emily Barrett opened the scoring in the second quarter then after two consecutive Flames' goals, two straight goals from Niamh McKenzie proved to be the difference.
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.
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.
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.
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
MASSACHU
LIBERTY
Goals
3
2
Shots
10
6
Shots on Goal
6
4
Saves
2
2
Corners
2
3
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
20
16
Scoring Plays
Emily Barrett (1)
Assisted By: Fiene Jenniskens , Sophia Ponzini
GOAL by Massachusetts Emily Barrett (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Fiene Jenniskens and Sophia Ponzini, goal number 1 for season.
20:43
Teshawn De La Rey
Assisted By: Dara Semmartin
GOAL by Liberty Teshawn De La Rey, Assist by Dara Semmartin
30:00
Luna Prieri
GOAL by Liberty Luna Prieri
32:45
Niamh McKenzie
GOAL by Massachusetts Niamh McKenzie
40:47
Niamh McKenzie (238)
Assisted By: Isla Campbell
GOAL by Massachusetts Niamh McKenzie, Assist by Isla Campbell, goal number 0238 for season.
57:22
Game Leaders
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
2
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
3
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Saturday, October 25
Friday, October 24
Monday, October 13
Wednesday, October 08