Box Score (PDF)

HAMDEN, Conn. – Three different River Hawks found the back of the cage to help lift the UMass Lowell field hockey team to a 3-2 victory in the season opener at Quinnipiac on Sunday.
 
"This was certainly a character-building game," said Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "We showed our depth and our ability to compete hard for 70 minutes. We battled through the heat and the score changes, and a tough Quinnipiac team. I was extremely proud of our poise and composure, especially during the second half, which was the difference maker in earning this win."
 
Seniors Georgia Cowderoy (Ashmore, Queensland, Australia) and Kristin Aveni (Westminster, Mass.), and sophomore Torrie Huk (Milford, Del.) each logged a goal in the decision, while junior Katie Luchino (Freehold, N.J.) tallied a pair of assists. Senior Jessica Walsh (North Easton, Mass.) added one assist, as well. Junior goalkeeper Kelsey Federico (Windham, N.H.) totaled eight saves in her complete-game performance.
 
"We are happy to start off the season with a win over a BIG EAST opponent," added Hlebichuk. "We know we have a challenging year ahead and look forward to getting back to work on Tuesday to prepare for a very competitive weekend ahead of us."
 
The Bobcats pulled in front early thanks to Savanna Reilly, who finished a rebound in front of the cage for her team's first goal of the season. However, the River Hawks quickly moved play into their offensive end, registering the game's next five shots. The visitors were able to knot the score at 1-1 on a penalty corner less than 12 minutes into the first half, as Huk tipped in a good pass from Luchino.
 
The teams alternated possessions for the next several minutes before UMass Lowell took its first lead of the contest at 22:22 when Walsh sent a long pass ahead to Cowderoy, who dribbled through two defenders and put a shot on target from eight yards out. Quinnipiac answered, though, with a breakaway goal in the final seconds of the half, sending the squads into the break tied at 2-2.
 
QU recorded the first five shots coming out of halftime, but it was Aveni who converted on a penalty corner to score what would eventually become the game winner. UMass Lowell controlled the pace of the play during the remainder of the contest to hold off the home team and secure the 3-2 win.
 
The River Hawks outshot the Bobcats, 17-16, and took a 12-3 edge in penalty corners. UMass Lowell will now play its home opener on Friday, September 2 when the team hosts Miami Ohio at Wicked Blue Field beginning at 4 p.m.