PUTTING WORK IN ON LABOR DAY

No. 23 Louisville (3-1) and Providence (1-2) posted convincing wins over nonconference opponents. The Cardinals won 5-0 against Ball State, and Amber Thomas had two goals to lead Louisville in scoring. The Louisville defense allowed just three shots on goal.

The Friars tallied a 6-2 win against Kent State. Providence had six different goal scorers in the victory.

BEAST IN THE EAST

 No. 6 Connecticut and No. 7 Syracuse both fought to one-goal victories over top 10 opponents last weekend. The Huskies beat No. 9 Penn State 2-1, while the Orange downed No. 2 North Carolina 1-0 (OT). The Huskies avenged a 3-2 2011 NCAA Semifinal loss, while The Orange beat its highest-ranking opponent since a 2-1 win against No. 1 Maryland in 2008. The victories advance each team to a 3-0 start for 2012.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Several BIG EAST field hockey teams travel to New England. Rutgers plays No. 22 Maine in Orono and No. 7 Syracuse faces No. 18 New Hampshire and No. 14 Boston University on the road. No. 6 Connecticut continues its competitive schedule against No. 10 Michigan and No. 19 Albany.

An updated version of season statistics and notes can be found here.