Box Score Senior Jenna Costa (Attleboro, Mass.) scored late in the second half, to break a 1-1 tie, as UMass Lowell defeated Assumption, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Cushing Field.
 
The win is the second straight for the River Hawks and ends an Assumption three game unbeaten streak.  UMass Lowell improved its record to 3-3-1 and 2-3-0 in Northeast 10 competition.
 
Assumption fell to 2-4-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the conference.
 
Costa's game winner came in the 82^nd minute as she converted a cross from senior Gia O'Connor (Dracut, Mass.) in the keepers' box.
 
“We made eye contact and I just screamed and sprinted into the box,” said Costa.  “Luckily she found me right there.  I didn't want overtime, I was exhausted.”
 
Coach Elie Monteiro had moved the midfielder to a forward position moments earlier and was pleased with the teamwork and the results.  “(O'Connor) showed great composure and (Costa) showed that she has some attacking skills,” said Monteiro.
 
It was Costa's second goal of the season.  “Pure joy,” said Costa.  “When you're working so hard and it pays off, it's the best feeling in the world.”
 
The River Hawks had a 1-0 lead at the half thanks to a Keanna Santos (Lakeville, Mass) goal taking advantage of a turnover by the visitors.
 
Santos drilled a low right foot strike past Assumption GK Allison Bruder and into the left corner of the net in the 35^th minute.  It was her third goal of the season and second in as many games.
 
“You've got to go with your instincts,” Santos said of the one on one opportunity.  “You can't over think it.”
 
Assumption pulled even, as the game became more physical, in the 64^th minute.  Andrea Bates headed a Molly Kessler cross into the net.
 
Monteiro was pleased with the way his River Hawk team stepped it up after the goal. “It was good to see them respond (to the physical play) by playing a little bit quicker,” said Monteiro.  “Obviously (the Costa) goal did a world of good.”
 
UMass Lowell had a 16-8 shooting edge and a 7-6 on target advantage.
 
River Hawk GK Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) had five saves.
 
UMass Lowell visits Merrimack Wednesday at 7:00pm.