Box Score (PDF) | Medeiros Interview

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Emily Wright (Avon, Conn.) recorded her second career hat trick and the UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team had its first second-half lead of the season, but the guests ultimately fell to the Brown Bears, 12-5 on Tuesday night.

"This was the best we've played all season, no question," said Head Coach Carissa Medeiros. "I couldn't be more proud of the girls, I've been telling them all along that I really don't care about scores and that it's about how we play and respond. Our first half was phenomenal and in the second half we got tired, but we made adjustments from last game and in-game adjustments. Again, I couldn't be more happy for our girls."

The River Hawks took the early 1-0 lead with 28:38 remaining in the first half on Wright's 13th goal of the season. UMass Lowell controlled possession in the opening minutes before Wright wrapped around the net, and sent a shot that bounced over the arm of Kellie Roddy.

Brown could not get any shots on Courtney Barrett (South Burlington, Vt.) until Lauren Toy hit the back of the net to tie up the game at 23:30.

Wright scored her second goal of the game, moments later when her low shot snuck through the stick and five-hole of Roddy with 20:25 on the clock.

The Bears' Dianne Vitkus scored the final goal of the half, off a free-position shot with 17:21 on the clock.

For the first time all season, the River Hawks entered the half even with their opponent. The closest margin they had previously found themselves in was two goals, twice.

Wright wasted no time to complete her hat trick, sending a quick mid-level shot into the twine, just 64 seconds into the second half.

Lindsey Repp tied the score up for the Bears only 1:28 after Wright's tally. The hosts took their first lead moments later at 24:10. Brown extended their lead to 5-3 with 22:51 remaining in regulation.

UMass Lowell got back within 5-4 when Jesse Jay (Amherst, N.H.) took control and made a series of moves to get around three defenders and fired a quick shot from just outside the crease. Her 14th goal of the season came 9:43 into the second half.

After a string of Brown goals to extend the lead to 9-4, Devon McKercher (Vestal, N.Y.) capitalized off a free-position shot with 11:48 remaining in regulation. She added her second goal of the night with 71 seconds on the clock, after receiving a pass from Jenn Guen (Braintree, Mass.)

Repp led the Bears' offense with a hat trick of her own, followed by Toy and Vitkus each scoring twice.

Barrett finished the game with 11 saves, and Roddy had eight. Victoria Holland played 5:09 of relief for Brown, and made one save. Both starting goalies were helped by the iron; with nearly 10 combined shots ringing off the posts and crossbar.

The River Hawks return to Wicked Blue Field one final time this season, hosting Vermont on April 19 at noon. The game is also UMass Lowell's "Stroke Awareness Game."