Connell’s late-third-quarter winner lifts Virginia past Liberty — September 11, 2026

Caitlin Connell scored with 29 seconds left in the third quarter to give No. 11 Virginia a 2–1 victory over No. 13 Liberty on Sept. 11 in Lynchburg.

Connell’s first collegiate goal restored the Cavaliers’ lead and proved decisive. She finished a breakaway at 44:31, according to Virginia’s official recap.

Mia Abello opened the scoring at 22:09 on Virginia’s only penalty corner, with Emma Watchilla and Marisa Fahning assisting. Liberty equalized at 37:38 when Clarisa Iudicello converted Luna Prieri’s setup.

The Lady Flames pushed for another equalizer in the fourth quarter, recording four shots and three on goal. Nilou Lempers stopped all three on-target attempts, finishing with five saves. Liberty goalkeeper Diane Saint Martin also made five.

The Liberty box score recorded a 10–8 shot advantage and a 5–1 penalty-corner edge for the hosts, but Virginia put seven shots on goal to Liberty’s six.

Virginia improved to 3–1. Liberty fell to 3–2 as its 14-game home winning streak ended, Liberty’s recap reported.