A Record-Setting Night for the Hawks
The University of Hartford field hockey team captured its first victory of the 2026 season on Saturday, defeating Elms College 6-0 in a dominant performance that showcased the program’s rising momentum.
Sophomore forward Kyra Benard was the centerpiece of the win, netting four goals and breaking the Hawks’ single-game scoring record. She opened the scoring spree by finding the net three times in the first half, establishing a 4-0 lead that would prove decisive.
Freshmen Olive Thatcher and Alexina Lentes each recorded their first career goals, while senior midfielder Ashley Taylor added an assist that marked her fifth career helper. In goal, sophomore Carolyn Somers preserved a clean sheet for the second half, and goalkeeper Ashlyn Cullity made 13 saves, while Leah Miller earned credit for two first-half stops that contributed to her first collegiate win.
The Hawks outshot their opponents 20-2 and earned 11 corner kicks compared to Elms’ six, underscoring the breadth of their offensive pressure. The win lifted Hartford’s record to 1-2, a modest improvement that signals growing confidence as the team heads into conference play.
Benard, reflecting on the performance, said the victory was essential for building momentum heading into the upcoming schedule, a sentiment echoed by the coaching staff as they prepare for tighter competition.