Oct. 29, 2010

Senior forward Brianne Bozzella (Wilmington, Mass.), junior defender Hannah Merullo (Wakefield, Mass.) and freshman goalkeeper Micaela Butlin (Milton, Mass.) were each named to the Northeast-10 Women’s Soccer All-Conference Teams announced Friday afternoon.

Bozzella and Merullo were both named to the All-Conference Second Team while Butlin was cited to the All-Rookie Team.

The NE-10 honors were the first for all three individuals, who have helped guide the River Hawks to an 8-8-1 overall record (8-7-0 in the NE-10, tied for sixth place) and their seventh straight postseason appearance.

Seeded No. 7, UMass Lowell visits No. 2 Merrimack (12-4-2, 11-3-1 NE-10) in the NE-10 Tournament Quarterfinal Sunday in North Andover, Mass.

Bozzella, a forward, has emerged as one of UMass Lowell’s primary scorers the past two seasons in which she has registered a combined 13 goals and seven assists. Currently, she has compiled a team-high seven goals and three assists this season and ranks tied for fourth among NE-10 leaders in game-winning goals with four.

Merullo has thrived in the sweeper role this season while Butlin, who has played every minute of every match, has admirably taken the reins following the sterling Jamie Gillis era. Together, Merullo and Butlin have backstopped the River Hawks to seven shutouts in their eight victories and a draw this season.

Additionally, opponents have mustered a mere 1.09 goals against per game this season.

Should UMass Lowell defeat Merrimack Sunday, it will move on to the semifinal round between the winner of No. 6 Adelphi (8-7-1, 8-7-0 NE-10) and No. 3 Franklin Pierce (12-4-1, 10-4-1) Thursday, Nov. 4.