Box Score (PDF) | Highlights | Photo Gallery

LOWELL, Mass. – Junior Georgia Cowderoy  (Ashmore, Queensland, Australia) scored a late goal to lead the UMass Lowell field hockey team (1-0) to a 2-1 victory in the 2015 season opener against Quinnipiac University (0-1) on Friday afternoon.
 
"I thought we competed hard for the entire 70 minutes," said Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "I don't know if it was our most organized win, but at the end of the day, a win is a win. We were very happy to come out on top. One of our goals this season was to score more, so some of the positives we can take out of this game were that we were attacking and creating opportunities. Now we just need to figure out how to finish those chances."
 
The two squads were locked in a 1-1 tie for almost 26 minutes of play before Cowderoy put in what would be the eventual game-winner following a corner with just over 18 minutes left to play. Senior Jessica Walsh (North Easton, Mass.) tracked down the ball after it was cleared out of the circle, allowing classmate Sophie Watt (Sawtell, Australia)) to sweep a cross back into Cowderoy, whose slap shot would find the back of the cage.
 
The River Hawks, who tallied a total of 10 corners on the day, took advantage of an early opportunity less than two minutes into the outing to gain a 1-0 edge. Sophomore Christa Doiron (Worcester, Mass.) inserted the ball to freshman Torrie Huk (Milford, Del.), who collected the pass at the top of the circle before sending a hard shot towards the cage that Watt tipped high into the cage above the outstretched stick of the opposing keeper. The goal marked the first of Watt's collegiate career. 
 
After several minutes of back-and-forth action, Quinnipiac knotted the score at 1-1 when Felicia Costanzo dribbled around a defender and lifted a shot into the far corner with 9:08 to play in the first.
 
In the early part of the second half, the River Hawks forced one corner and the Bobcats earned a pair of chances, however, neither side was able to convert. UMass Lowell took control of the momentum in the waning minutes of the contest and continued to pressure after Cowderoy's goal to secure the 2-1 decision.
 
The River Hawks outshot the Bobcats, 18-10, in the outing. Cowderoy posted a game-high five shots, while Huk added four. Sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Federico (Windham, N.H.) notched four saves en route to her first win of the year. Friday's contest marked the fourth meeting between UMass Lowell and Quinnipiac. The all-time series is now tied, 2-2.
 
The River Hawks will return to action on Sunday, August 30 when they welcome Providence College to Wicked Blue Field for a 3 p.m. tilt.