When a team loses 7-0, there is a certain expectation of how their coach will react: disappointed, angry, maybe even irate.

But Quinnipiac field hockey’s head coach Becca Main displayed none of these emotions after her Bobcats (2-4) fell to the #8 UConn Huskies (6-1) in the first game of their home-and-home series on Mar. 26.

The emotion that she did display?

Pride.

Despite the blowout score, the Bobcats’ singular shot on goal and the Huskies’ seven attacking penalty corners, Main was proud of her team’s commitment and ability to perform against a nationally ranked team.

“We’re focusing on the things that we have versus the things that we don’t have,” Main said. “We have an incredible, great attitude in a team. We have great fitness, and we buy into a plan.”

The plan in their game against UConn was to stretch their attack wide in an attempt to create more offensive opportunities without allowing a fast break.

“Our strategy was to try to take it up the sidelines and keep it out of the middle of the field so they couldn’t attack down our center,” junior midfielder Makayla Adams said. “I think our team implemented that well.”

Despite only having one shot on goal, the Bobcats were in the offensive end more than they had been in previous games; however, UConn is a strong team — as evidenced by its national ranking — with a quick attacking turnaround style that lets them put up big numbers.

“The problem with UConn is that their attack transition is dangerous,” Main said. “As soon as you turn it over, they’re gone.”

In their last game against the Huskies on Mar. 18, the Bobcats fell 6-0 but had a big emphasis on their defensive plan rather than focusing on the attack. Main said they took a different approach this game by trying to get the ball up the field more and sacrificing a little of their defensive strategy.

The Huskies took advantage of this early, scoring five times in the first half. UConn first-year Claire van den Noort notched four goals of her own with senior Jessica Dembrowski assisting on three of her goals.

First-year and two-time BIG EAST Rookie of the Week winner Nina Santore was in net for the Bobcats, saving four shots. Sophomore forward Julianna Cappello had the lone shot for Quinnipiac.

Main was not concentrated on the numbers though. She was proud of that ‘buy in’ from her team and their efforts against such a big opponent.

“We are getting better and better,” Main said. “‘Stronger together’ is our statement as our team. That’s what’s on our shirts, and I think we’ve learned that more than ever (this season).”

Main has another chance to be proud of her team as it takes on UConn again this Sunday, Mar. 28 at 11 a.m.