A Late Surge Seals Victory
The No. 8 Liberty Lady Flames traveled to the UMaine Field Hockey Complex to face the No. 15 UMass Minutewomen in a highly anticipated matchup that marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The game kicked off with both teams looking to establish early momentum, but it was UMass who drew first blood.
Liberty fell behind 1‑0 late in the second quarter, only to answer with a penalty corner goal that knotted the score at 1‑1 heading into halftime. The early exchange set the stage for a tightly contested second half, where the Flames continued to press for a lead.
In the final 19 minutes and 13 seconds, UMass struck twice, including the game‑winning goal that put them ahead 3‑2. The Minutewomen’s late surge proved decisive, turning a tied contest into a narrow defeat for Liberty.
The loss also marked Teshawn De La Rey’s first collegiate goal, while Luna Prieri added her second goal of the season, tying her for the team lead with Dara Semmartin. Both players’ contributions highlighted promising performances amid the setback.
For Liberty, the defeat ended a six‑game winning streak to start the 2026 campaign, a run that had positioned the team among the nation’s top field hockey programs. Despite the setback, the Flames remain focused on their upcoming road test against Saint Joseph’s, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia, Pa.