UNCASVILLE — UConn’s women opened their preseason with an 88–60 victory over Syracuse at Mohegan Sun Arena on October 12, with seven players scoring at least 10 points.
Sarah Strong led Connecticut with 15. KK Arnold and Kelis Fisher each scored 11; Jovana Popovic, Jana El Alfy, Kayleigh Heckel and Olivia Vukosa each added 10, according to UConn’s postgame report. Popovic started in her first appearance for the Huskies.
Connecticut built a 23–8 advantage in the first quarter, but Syracuse reduced the margin to 38–29 by halftime. UConn regained separation in the third, finishing that period ahead 63–43 before adding another 25 points in the fourth.
The official box score records an announced attendance of 5,012 in Uncasville. UConn made 32 of 68 field-goal attempts and 21 of 24 free throws, while shooting 3 of 22 from three-point range. Syracuse committed 17 turnovers; Connecticut had 11.
Vukosa collected nine rebounds and Ashlynn Shade had eight. Arnold contributed six assists and three steals. WFSB independently reported the final and the seven double-figure scorers.
This was an exhibition, so it does not establish a regular-season or conference standing. The women’s October 12 game is separate from the UConn men’s October 13 meeting with Syracuse at the same arena. UConn lists Texas in Hartford on October 19 at 7 p.m. as its next women’s preseason game.