Box Score (PDF)
 
BALTIMORE, Md. – Sophomore Katelyn Vieira (Warwick, R.I.) put her body on the line, as her diving header in the 103 minute lifted the UMass Lowell women's soccer team to a 1-0 double overtime victory at UMBC on Thursday evening.
 
"Tonight was about a higher commitment to execution," said Head Coach Joel Bancroft. "This group has put in the effort since the beginning but this season, more than any other, has shown a deeper level of technical application and tactical understanding. The median level of this program has without a doubt risen. The performances in our first four conference matches have been very good. We've improved everywhere. All the credit goes to the players for this. We've been working on not helping our opponents down the stretch by conceding set pieces in dangerous situations. Credit the team for their overall execution."

With just under seven minutes remaining in the second overtime, sophomore Jaymee Luke (Las Vegas, Nev.) sent a cross into the box that connected with the head of a leaping Vieira who sent the game-winner past the hands of UMBC's Leah Roth.
 
With the win, the River Hawks improve to 4-6-3 overall and 2-2-0 in America East action, while the Retrievers fall to 5-8-0 (1-3-0 AE) in 2016.
 
"While we carried play in the first half we knew UMBC would respond and they did, that's why they hadn't lost at home all year." explained Bancroft. "They work hard and they pushed us to the brink. I'm thrilled for Katelyn Vieira. The quality of both service and finish was outstanding. I enjoy every day with this group, regardless of the results it's the consistency in their performance that is fulfilling." 

Sophomore Julia Schneider (Bridgewater, Mass.) tallied six saves in the win, in addition to picking up her third shutout of the year and seventh of her career.
 
Junior Shannon Groffie (Toms River, N.J.) gave the River Hawks their first opportunity of the night just six minutes into the match. Groffie settled a loose ball off a sideline thrown in before lacing it towards the goal and into the hands of Roth for the save.
 
It wasn't long before the offense took another shot at the Retriever's, testing their defense multiple times in the 10th and 12th minutes. Junior Rachel Morrier (Plaistow, N.H.) led things off with a free kick toward the goal that caused the goalkeeper to leave her feet and make the save before sophomore Luke got a chance to send the loose rebound back towards the goal. Just 90 seconds later, Vieira (Warwick, R.I.) rung the top of the crossbar on her first shot of the night.
 
The second period saw a swing in momentum as the Retrievers offense began to find their groove. The home team outshot their opponents, 13-8, forcing Schneider to make five of her six saves in the second half of the tilt.
 
Overall, UMass Lowell outshot UMBC 22-18, including a 3-1 advantage in extended play.
 
The River Hawks return to action on Sunday, Oct. 9 in a 4 p.m. matinee against Stony Brook for the program's annual Cancer Awareness game. The squad will also host Team IMPACT day, honoring their Team IMPACT match, Sarah, in a special pre-game ceremony.