LOWELL, Mass. –  The UMass Lowell Women's Soccer team wrapped up the exhibition schedule with a 3-0 victory over Fairfield University, Wednesday afternoon, at the Cushing Field Complex.

"I liked the adjustments we made after the Colgate game," said UMass Lowell Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "I thought we were a little more connected; when we went forward it was in greater numbers."

The River Hawks got an early goal from sophomore Rachel Morrier (Plaistow, N.H.)

"The first minutes we grabbed the game by the throat," said Bancroft.  "But if you don't score it's all for naught, so to get on the board early was big for us."

In talking about what he saw on the field of play Bancroft used words like "synergy," "decision making" and "unselfishness" and it all paid off with goals by freshman Katelyn Vieira (Warwick, R.I.) and junior Carolyn Ragon (Melrose, Mass.) in the second half.

"Whenever you score three goals, and Fairfield is top two in their conference, it's a step forward," said Bancroft.  "Adding those two second half goals means we don't have to be perfect."

The coach was also pleased with the performance of freshman goalkeeper Julia Schneider (Bridgewater, Mass.)  She was equal to every challenge after a case of "freshmanitis" her first time out against Colgate.

"Today she came out an played like the girl we had watched and recruited; we're really proud of her," said Bancroft.  "She has a ways to go, but today was a really good effort."

UMass Lowell ends the pre-season with a record of 1-1-0 and now prepares for the season opener August 27 against Rhode Island.  That gives the River Hawks eight days to prepare.

"There is much to do," said Bancroft.  "We have to look at video; we made a ton of mistakes, it is not the finished product.  URI will present a huge challenge."

The River Hawks open the season with a trio of non conference home games at the Cushing Field Complex against Rhode Island, August 27, 7:00pm, Northeastern, August 29, 6:00pm, and Delaware State, September 4, 7:00pm.