Nov. 7, 2004

STORRS, Conn. - Freshman midfielder Ashley Jones (Westlake Village, Calif./Westlake) picked an ideal time for her first career goal, giving Notre Dame an early second-half lead, but Connecticut rallied with two goals in the final 28 minutes to upset the second-ranked Irish, 2-1 in the title match of the 2004 BIG EAST Conference Championship on Sunday afternoon at Morrone Stadium in Storrs, Conn. The loss snapped Notre Dame's 20-match unbeaten streak to open this season and marked just the second time the Irish have lost in BIG EAST Championship play (now 21-2).

In addition, it was the Huskies' first victory over Notre Dame in seven BIG EAST championship-game matchups -- the Irish had vanquished UConn to win the conference title every year from 1995-2000. With the win, Connecticut claimed the BIG EAST's automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Notre Dame will look to receive an at-large bid when the 64-team field is revealed Monday at 4:30 p.m. (ET) live on ESPNEWS. Sixteen teams will host four-team subregionals, with action beginning next weekend around the country.

Notre Dame (19-1-1) dominated the run of play throughout the first half, owning an 8-1 shot advantage and earning four corner kicks. However, a strong headwind and the solid play of UConn goalkeeper Megan Jessee coupled to prevent the Irish from finding the back of the net, leaving the teams scoreless at halftime.

The deadlock didn't last long, thanks in part to the creativity of junior forward and Hermann Trophy finalist Katie Thorlakson (Langley, B.C./Walnut Grove). The Canadian national drove to the right end line before sending a pinpoint cross across the goal mouth. Jones was parked on the back door and banged home the cross with a left-footed volley from six yards out just 1:13 into the second half.

For a time, it appeared that lead would hold up, as the Notre Dame defense continued its trademark rigidity. It would take a world-class effort to break through the Irish backline and that's exactly what Connecticut got. In the 73rd minute, the 2003 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, Kristen Graczyk collected a loose ball at the top of the box and made a snap decision to fire on goal. Her 20-yard shot found the upper left corner of the net and the match as tied with less than 28 minutes to play.

With their home crowd reaching a fever pitch, the Huskies (16-6-1) kept up the pressure and eventually it paid off. As the clock wound inside four minutes, Karyn Riviere battled for possession deep in the right corner and smartly sent a cross into the box. Graczyk was stationed at the far left post and rose over the Irish defense to nod home her second goal of the match and the game-winner at the 86:48 mark.

The final three minutes represented just the fifth time all season that Notre Dame has trailed at any point in a match. In fact, the Irish have been behind for a total of just 89 minutes (the equivalent of less than one full match) during the 2004 season. Connecticut's two-goal outburst also was a rarity for a Notre Dame opponent -- the Irish had not allowed more than one goal in their 17 previous matches, dating back to a 5-2 victory over (then) No. 2 Santa Clara back in early September at Alumni Field.

Complete notes and quotes from Notre Dame's appearance in the BIG EAST Championship will be posted on www.und.com late tonight when the Irish travel party returns from Connecticut.

BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Connecticut 0-2 -- 2
#2 Notre Dame 0-1 -- 1

Scoring
Connecticut -- Kristen Graczyk 11 (unassisted) 72:27; Graczyk 12 (Karyn Riviere) 86:48.
Notre Dame -- Ashley Jones 1 (Katie Thorlakson) 46:13.

Shots
Connecticut 1-4 -- 5
Notre Dame 8-5 -- 13

Saves
Connecticut -- 5 (Megan Jessee 5)
Notre Dame -- 2 (Erika Bohn 2)

Corner kicks
Connecticut 0-0 -- 0
Notre Dame 4-1 -- 5

Offsides
Connecticut -- 12
Notre Dame -- 14

Offsides
Connecticut -- 0
Notre Dame -- 7