Box Score One goal was the difference, unfortunately it was the home team that got that one goal as UMass Lowell women's soccer dropped a tough battle to Stony Brook University, Sunday afternoon, at LaValle Stadium in Stony Brook, N. Y.

"Our younger players gained valuable experience in a great venue against a Stony Brook team that went to the NCAA tournament last season," said Head Coach Elie Monteiro. "Our younger players haven't had enough time at this level of play. As they gain experience the game will slow down for them."

The loss was the 11^th for the River Hawks and the second in America East competition. Stony Brook improves to 7-3-1, 2-0-0 in conference play.

The game's only goal came in the ninth minute of play. Larissa Nysch headed a cross from Shannon Gagnon off the right post and into the net. The goal was Nysch's sixth of the season.

"I like the way we responded," said Monteiro. "It was a great response from our team; we didn't put our heads down. The hunger to compete was there. Today was a step forward."

Down 1-0, UMass Lowell had opportunities but was never able to get the equalizer.

"We struggled to put quality chances together," said Monteiro. "We were trying to force things and that costs us the opportunity to create chances. We need a clear cut plan in the attacking third of the field. We don't realize that we need and can create time and space."

The one early goal held up, offenses were held at bay. Stony Brook outshot UMass Lowell, 20-8. Many of the Seawolves shots were from long range as the River Hawk defense tightened up.

"(The defense) is growing," said Monteiro. "We've continuing to get better, but we need to continue to evolve."

Junior Goalkeeper Jane Hatzikonstantis (Tewksbury, Mass.) made eight saves in the contest. Stony Brook GK Ashley Castanio was credited with two saves.

The River Hawks return to action on Thursday afternoon when they visited the University of Maine in Orono. They will be back home Sunday, 2:00 pm, to host the University of Hartford.