The University of Hartford Women’s Soccer team is very familiar with being recognized as formidable contenders.

After winning the America East regular season title last year, and reaching the conference finals twice in the last three years, the Hawks are predicted to finish second, based on preseason projections, standing behind only to New Hampshire, who claimed the title last year.

John Natale leads the team in his 12 year as head coach, while he holds on to nine returning athletes, four of which were All-Conference players, and nine newcomers to the club.

Without any hesitation, the Hawks asserted their dominance on August 23, in their season opener against Siena.

The team opened their season at home and fell right back into their winning ways. Siena tested the Hawks, but stood no chance as the home team went up 2-0 at the half.

Freshman midfielder Julia Carr made her impression on the game as she scored the first goal of the contest. Latching onto the momentum, junior Aaliyah Ingram netted a goal right before the halftime mark.

As the match resumed, Ingram connected with another dart through the goal in the 77 minute.

While leaving Siena on the negative end of a scoring frenzy, the Hawks were not finished. At the 88 minute, senior forward Erica Primovic put the icing on the cake, scoring another goal and pushing the lead to a superior 4-0. Siena went on to put up one goal, however nothing would be enough to stop the Hawks relentless dominance.

Ingram and Carr were named America East Co-Players of the Week after their season opening performance.

With much confidence to hold onto, the Hawks looked forward to their second outing of the season.

Another home stand was on the agenda, this time against Manhattan.

The Hawks controlled the game once again, holding a 21-3 shot advantage over Manhattan. However, they were searching for answers as the ball couldn’t find the net.

After holding possession of the match for most of its entirety, Manhattan managed to put up the only point of the game in the 77 minute. Even with all their energy and nonstop effort, the Hawks fell short and picked up the first loss of the season.

Although it was a tough defeat, it simply led the Hawks to move forward and get themselves back on track for their next game against Iona on September 3.

After taking their first loss of the season, despite having control of the game, the Hawks found the dominance they displayed in their season opener.

Unfortunately for Iona, they had to fall victim to the Hawks’ attack.

It wasn’t long before the Hawks put points on the board as junior forward Tori Tripp made a strike through the net in the 17 minute. Tripp, however, was not finished as she drilled another shot through the goal, putting the Hawks up 2-0 at the half. Things were certainly looking up for the Hawks and it would only get worse for Iona.

Tripp’s two goals were assisted by Aaliyah Ingram in the first half, and their chemistry remained present in the second half. Ingram went on to score a hat-trick, three goals all in the second half.

Tripp returned the earlier favor from Ingram, assisting on one of the three goals, as well as another assist to Juila Carr.

Senior forward Elise Galipo added to the sharing culture as she assisted one of Ingram’s goals also.

Accomplishing her second shutout of the season, junior Jessica Jurg went on to record three saves on the game.

The Hawks had every reason to enjoy this all-around team victory.

In just three short days after the shutout victory, the Hawks faced Sacred Heart on September 6.

This game was no easy task, as both teams found themselves desperate for answers throughout the game. Sacred Heart had control over the Hawks in the opening half, however, it was still anyone’s game to win.

Hartford stormed back with multiple opportunities, but nothing seemed to work in their favor.

Jessica Jurg kept the contest from slipping away as she defended each of Sacred Heart’s shots without them converting.

Through regulation both teams finished scoreless. Overtime would present another series of hard tested minutes for the Hawks. Just when everything seemed to be at a standstill, it was Julia Carr who cashed in on the winning goal in overtime, off an assist from Elise Galipo.

This marked Carr’s third goal of the season third goal in the four games the Hawks have played. Jurg added another shutout victory to her resume as she made an astonishing four saves on the day.

With the recognition of what they’re capable of and the high energy they bring every game, it is easy to believe that there isn’t much that can stop the Hawks.

They hope to find their fourth win on September 10th, at home against NJIT.

There is no other expecatation from the women’s team other than to dominate the competition.