Friday, September 12 at Bryant (7 p.m.)
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Sunday, September 14 vs. Massachusetts (2 p.m.)
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LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell field hockey team is slated to play a pair of games this weekend, traveling to Bryant University for a 7 p.m. tilt on Friday, September 12 before returning home to host the University of Massachusetts at Wicked Blue Field on Sunday, Sept. 14 beginning at 2 p.m.
 
River Hawk Report
UMass Lowell is currently 2-2 in 2014 after facing two setbacks last week. The River Hawks dropped a 3-2 decision in heartbreaking fashion on a last-minute goal by Holy Cross on Sept. 5. The team then fell, 2-1, against Brown University on Sept. 7. As a whole, UMass Lowell has forced a total of 26 corners, compared to 19 by the opposition, and has outshot its competition, 55-45.
 
Flying High
Senior Bianca Jones (Watertown, Mass.) paces the River Hawks with five goals, including two game-winners, for 10 total points. Sophomore Georgia Cowderoy (Ashmore, Queensland, Australia) has added to the offensive effort with two goals and three assists for seven points, while classmate Eleonore Agneessens (Brussels, Belgium) follows with five points. Sophomore Kristin Aveni (Westminster, Mass.) and junior Sophie Watt (Sawtell, Australia) have logged one goal and one assist, respectively, as well. Freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Federico (Windham, N.H.) has anchored the backfield with two shutouts and 18 saves for a .692 save percentage.
 
Scouting Bryant
Bryant has opened 2014 on a four-game skid, during which the Bulldogs have been outscored, 11-3. Friday's contest marks the squad's first home game of the year, after going 3-2 in friendly confines last season. Mikayla Fitzmaurice paces the Bulldogs with four points, while Rosie Bird adds one goal and one assist, and Victoria Dandy adds a goal of her own. Goalkeeper Meghan Hancock enters the game with a 2.75 goals against average and a .703 save percentage in four games.

Head Coach Hlebichuk on Bryant
"Our game at Bryant will be a test and challenge as our first road game of the year. We are looking to put everything we've worked on in practice this week into play and perform for the full 70 minutes, and if we do that then we know we are putting ourselves on track to be successful."
 
Scouting Massachusetts
UMass enters the weekend with a 1-3 record. Before visiting the River Hawks on Sunday, the Minutewomen will face the California Golden Bears on Friday, Sept. 12. Brooke Sapia and Nicole Miller lead the team with two goals apiece. Cliodhna Loughlin has dished out a team-high two assists so far. Sam Carlino has played in front of the cage for all four games, recording 34 saves in over 283 minutes. She owns a 2.22 goals against average and a .791 save percentage.

Head Coach Hlebichuk on Massachusetts
"On Sunday, we are looking forward to hosting in-state opponent UMass in the Kennedy Cup. They always have a competitive squad so it is sure to be an exciting game on our turf in front of River Hawk Nation."
 
Series History
The River Hawks and Bulldogs will square off for the 17th time in the history of the two programs on Friday. UMass Lowell owns a 10-6 advantage in the all-time series, although Bryant earned a 4-3 win when the teams met last season. Sunday's contest between UMass Lowell and Massachusetts will mark just the second meeting between the two schools in the sport of field hockey, following a 6-0 Minutewomen victory in 2013.
 
News to Note
The River Hawks 2-0 start in 2014 marked their best since 2010 when the squad went 24-0 and won the NCAA Division II National Championship. In addition, the team's 4-3, double-overtime win against Longwood on Aug. 31 was its first overtime win since Sept. 4, 2011 (vs. #9 Millersville), and first ever in Division I. UMass Lowell has come on strong late in games this season, scoring six of their nine goals so far in either second half or overtime action.