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DOVER, Del. – Sophomore Taylor Chianese (Chepachet, R.I.) scored in the second overtime as UMass Lowell defeated Delaware State University, 2-1, in a non-conference match Friday night at Alumni Stadium in Dover, Del. 

Chianese ended the night's confrontation after stealing the ball on the right wing and roofing the ball over goalkeeper Katelyn Koslosky from close range.

"We learned what we're made of tonight," said Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "We got knocked down, but we got right back up."

With the win UMass Lowell improves to 2-1-0, Delaware State falls to 0-3-0.  It is the first time the River Hawks have won back-to-back games as a Division I program.

UMass Lowell had the edge in play outshooting the home club 19-9 (15-7 in regulation) but winning was a test of character not just skill, the River Hawks never lead until the score became final in the 109th minute of play.

The Hornets struck first, Paige Wilcox found the back of the net in the 31st minute after forcing a midfield turnover, beating a defender and walking in alone.

"We made one mistake and dug ourselves a hole," said Bancroft.  "But we grew up real quick and put our hands on the throat of the game and got the win."

Down 1-0 at the half, UMass lowell turned things up a notch or two in the second 45-minute stanza.  They outshot Delaware State bin the second half and it finally paid off in the 51st minute. Senior captain Sarah Raye (Salem, Mass.) punctured the DSU net with a low drive into the left hand corner to knot the game at one.  It was her second marker of the year and it was unassisted.

"That changed the whole complexion of the game," said Bancroft.

It also set the stage for Chianese's heroics.  Those heroics were nearly not needed.  UMass Lowell twice drilled the ball off a post in the final minute of regulation.

River Hawk senior Goalkeeper Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) was credited with one save  before exiting after sustaining a first half injury.  Senior Goalkeeper Jane Hatzikonstantis (Tewksbury, Mass.) made four saves  in earning her first victory of the season.

Koslosky, in net for Delaware State, made seven saves.  

The River Hawks, after a couple of days for travel and rest, return to action Monday, September 1st at 4 P.M., when they host Marist College at the Cushing Field Complex.