Nerney’s Heroics Propel Hawks to Victory Over University of New England in Thrilling Encounter

Hartford Hawks Clinch Third Straight Win Against University of new England

BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Hartford Women’s Soccer Team continued their winning streak Wednesday, overcoming the University of New England with a final score of 2-1. This victory represents the Hawks’ third consecutive win within the Conference of New England (CNE).

First half Battle

The initial phase of the contest saw the University of New England aggressively testing the Hartford defense, generating four shot attempts within the first ten minutes. Senior goalkeeper Sejal Johnson skillfully deflected one attempt, demonstrating her defensive prowess. Hartford responded with three shots of their own in the following ten minutes, though none found their mark. Johnson maintained a steady presence, making subsequent saves in the 18th and 30th minutes, keeping the game scoreless as both teams entered halftime.

second Half Decisive Goals

The Hawks broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Senior rebecca opdenbrouw’s cross, initially blocked by a defender, landed at the feet of freshman Anastasia Nerney, who capitalized on the opportunity with a shot into the bottom corner of the net. However,the Nor’easters swiftly retaliated in the 72nd minute when Gillian McGee’s cross found its target,leveling the score.As the game neared its conclusion, Nerney once again proved decisive, scoring the winning goal in the 84th minute with a one-on-one play, securing a 2-1 lead for Hartford that the Nor’easters could not overcome.

Player Spotlight and Key Statistics

Freshman Anastasia Nerney distinguished herself in the match,recording her fourth and fifth goals of the season,bringing her total points to 16 and tying her for second in team scoring. Senior Rebecca Opdenbrouw extended her lead in team points with 17, adding her fifth assist of the year. Goalkeeper Sejal Johnson secured the win with six saves,improving her season record to 8-2-2.

Statistic	Hartford Hawks	University of New england
Total Shots	11	20
Shots on Target	5	7
Goals	2	1
Saves	6 (Sejal Johnson)	N/A

Did You Know? Women’s college soccer participation has steadily increased over the past decade,with over 33,000 student-athletes competing across all divisions of the NCAA in 2023,according to the NCAA’s latest participation data.

Looking Ahead

The Hartford Hawks will continue their road trip with an upcoming match against Johnson & Wales University in Providence on October 14th, scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM.

Pro Tip: Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial for peak athletic performance,especially during a demanding season like collegiate soccer.

The Rise of Women’s College Soccer

The increasing popularity of women’s college soccer mirrors the broader growth of women’s sports globally. Factors contributing to this growth include increased media coverage,greater investment in youth programs,and the inspiring performances of athletes on the international stage,such as the United States Women’s National Team. This heightened visibility has not only attracted more participants but has also fostered a more supportive and inclusive surroundings for female athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hartford Hawks soccer

• What is the current record of the Hartford Hawks women’s soccer team?

  As of October 9, 2025, the Hartford Hawks women’s soccer team has a record of 8-2-2.

• Who scored the winning goal for Hartford against the University of New England?

  Freshman Anastasia Nerney scored the winning goal in the 84th minute.

• When is the next game for the Hartford hawks women’s soccer team?

  The hawks will play against Johnson & Wales University on October 14th at 4:00 PM.

• Where can I find more information about the Hartford Hawks athletics program?

  You can follow the Hawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

• What impact did Rebecca Opdenbrouw have on the game?

  Rebecca Opdenbrouw contributed with her fifth assist of the year, bringing her team-leading point total to 17.

What are your predictions for the Hartford Hawks’ upcoming game against johnson & Wales University? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What statistical advantage did Liam Nerney demonstrate beyond his point total, assists, and rebounds?

Game Summary: Hawks vs. University of New England – October 8, 2025

The Hawks secured a hard-fought victory against the University of New England (UNE) last night, wiht a final score of 78-75. The game, played at Hawks Field House, was a back-and-forth battle characterized by intense defense and clutch performances. The defining moment came in the final seconds, thanks to a remarkable display of skill and composure from Hawks guard, Liam Nerney. This win boosts the Hawks’ season record to 6-2, solidifying their position as contenders in the conference. Key talking points include Nerney’s game-winning shot,UNE’s strong offensive push in the third quarter,and the Hawks’ overall team resilience.

Nerney’s Clutch Performance: A Breakdown

Liam Nerney was undoubtedly the star of the night. His final stats – 24 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds – only tell part of the story. Nerney’s impact extended beyond the numbers, particularly in the game’s critical moments.

* the Game-Winning Shot: With 3.2 seconds remaining and the score tied at 75, Nerney received the inbound pass, drove to the basket, and executed a fadeaway jumper over two UNE defenders. The shot, a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, sealed the victory for the Hawks.

* Fourth Quarter dominance: Nerney scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, consistently finding ways to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

* Leadership on the Court: Throughout the game, Nerney demonstrated exceptional leadership, directing the offence and motivating his teammates.His ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations proved invaluable.

* Shooting Prowess: Nerney shot 8-15 from the field, including 4-8 from beyond the arc, showcasing his consistent shooting ability.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments shaped the outcome of this thrilling college basketball game.

1. First Quarter Surge: The Hawks started strong, establishing an early 10-point lead thanks to aggressive defense and efficient offense. Forward, Marcus Bell, contributed significantly with 8 points and 5 rebounds in the first quarter.
2. UNE’s Third Quarter Comeback: The University of New England mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 22-15. UNE guard, Alex Johnson, led the charge with three consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the Hawks’ lead to just two points.
3. Nerney’s Response: After UNE tied the game with under a minute remaining, nerney responded with a crucial layup, giving the Hawks a two-point advantage.
4. The Final Seconds: The dramatic final seconds saw UNE tie the game again, setting the stage for Nerney’s game-winning shot.

Player Statistics and Standout Performances

beyond Nerney’s exceptional performance, several other players made significant contributions.

* Marcus Bell (Hawks): 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks. Bell’s presence in the paint was crucial for the Hawks’ defense.

* Alex Johnson (UNE): 20 points, 5 assists, 3 steals. Johnson was the driving force behind UNE’s offensive push.

* David Chen (Hawks): 12 points,7 assists. Chen provided valuable support to Nerney in orchestrating the Hawks’ offense.

* Ethan Miller (UNE): 14 points, 6 rebounds. Miller was a consistent scoring threat for UNE.

Coaching Strategies and Adjustments

Hawks Head Coach, Sarah jenkins, praised her team’s resilience and ability to adapt to UNE’s offensive adjustments.

* Defensive Adjustments: Coach Jenkins made key defensive adjustments in the second half, focusing on containing Alex Johnson and limiting UNE’s three-point opportunities.

* Offensive Flexibility: The Hawks demonstrated offensive flexibility, utilizing a variety of plays to exploit UNE’s defensive weaknesses.

* Timeout Management: Strategic use of timeouts allowed Coach Jenkins to regroup her team and make crucial adjustments during critical moments.

* Emphasis on Teamwork: Coach Jenkins consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork and unselfish play, which ultimately contributed to the Hawks’ victory.

Looking Ahead: Hawks’ Upcoming Schedule

The Hawks will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against State University on October 12th. This will be a crucial game for the Hawks as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the conference standings. Fans can expect another exciting matchup, with both teams showcasing their offensive and defensive capabilities. The team will focus on maintaining their strong defensive presence and continuing to develop their offensive chemistry. Upcoming games include:

* October 12th vs. State University (Away)

* October 16th vs. City College (Home)

* October 20th vs. Regional Tech (Away)

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The game generated significant buzz on social media,with fans praising Nerney’s heroics and the Hawks’ overall performance. #HawksWin, #NerneyHeroics, and #