Friday, September 12 vs. Lafayette College (7 P.M.) at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium, Easton, Pennsylvania
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The UMass Lowell women's soccer team continues to play the role of road warrior with one game Friday at Lafayette College in Easton, Penn.
 
The River Hawks (2-4-0) have dropped three in a row and have several players slowed by various bumps and bruises.
 
"It's a unique challenge we're playing a well coached team," said UMass Lowell Head coach Joel Bancroft.  "I am anxious to see how our team responds to the challenge."
 
For a young team, learning to deal with adversity, losses and injuries, is a big part of its development.  A step in a team's growth, development and building of an identity the coaching staff is focusing in on.
 
"It's huge," said Bancroft, "dealing with adversity is a big part of our growth.  Last weekend was tough (losses to Syracuse and Colgate), I'm anxious to see our response after a couple of losses."
 
To this point the staff is pleased with the way the team has responded to the tougher times.  "For a young team," said Bancroft, "they've shown a great ability to respond to challenges.  This is a great opportunity to show growth and I look forward to seeing it."
 
Friday's contest is the team's only match this weekend and that in itself is a bit of a break after three consecutive two-game weekends.  It will allow some of the walking wounded some opportunity for recovery.
 
The River Hawks' opponent is also looking to work its way back in to the win column.  Lafayette College has dropped three straight after winning their opening two game of the season.  Their most recent setback came in overtime and at the hands of America East Conference member Binghamton, 2-1.
 
The Leopards are one of three Patriot League teams on the River Hawks schedule.  UMass Lowell lost to Colgate, 2-0, last Sunday and will host Holy Cross on Wednesday, September 17^th.
 
Last Time Out
Lost to Syracuse, 4-0 and Colgate, 2-0
Despite the losses, Bancroft was pleased with much of what he saw on the field.  "I was pleased with the effort, I was pleased with the tactics, I was pleased with the execution."
 
The Opponent
Lafayette College (2-3-0)
A member of the Patriot League, the Leopards are looking to end a three game losing streak.  They have been outscored, 6-1, in losses to Binghamton, Manhattan and Jacksonville.  Lafayette did open the season with wins against Saint Peter's and North Florida.
 
Friday night's match up will only be their second home game of the season.
 
The Leopards went 5-10-2 overall and 1-7-1 in the Patriot League a year ago.  Their last winning season was 2011 when they 9-6-2 / 4-2-1.
 
Senior Alyssa Finelli leads the Lafayette attack; she has three of the team's six goals this season.  She was third in scoring as year ago.
 
Sophomore Goalkeeper Danielle Sedillo has a 1.11 Goals Against Average and a .792 Save Percentage.
 
Just for Kicks…
Coming off back-to-back shutouts, the River Hawks are looking to get the offense going.   The team has been able to create offensive opportunities, but has struggled to finish.
 
Senior captain Sarah Raye (Salem, Mass.) and sophomore Taylor Chianese (Chepachet, R.I.) lead the team in scoring with two goals apiece.  Raye found the back of the net in the River Hawk victories against Siena and Delaware State.  Chianese had the game winner against Delaware State.
 
Guarding the Nest…
Senior goalkeepers Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) and Jane Hatzikonstantis (Tewksbury, Mass.) each have a victory to their credit.  Carlson, who picked up the win against Siena, carries a 2.22 goals against average and a .744 save percentage.  Hatzikonstantis, with a 1.16 goals against average and a .750 save percentage, got credit for the victory against Delaware State after Carlson sustained an injury during the first half.
 
"As a team we've reduced the number of shots the keepers see," said Bancroft. "But when they have been called upon to make the big save they've gotten the job done."