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LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team (1-1-2) fought to an exciting, 1-0, win against Bryant (3-2-0) in the team's home opener in front of a record 1,071 fans on Thursday at Cushing Field.
 
 "It is always great to go out and get the win," said Head Coach Joel Bancroft. "Our Attendance Record Game has drawn more and more fans every year and when we heard at half time that over 1,000 people came out tonight, it was a huge testament to our support group. It was a magical energy here tonight, and it certainly helped the players see their way through this match."
 
UMass Lowell's previous attendance record of 373 was ultimately smashed by a difference of nearly 700 people who came out to support the squad.
 
Senior forward Carolyn Ragon (Melrose, Mass.) posted her first goal of the 2016 campaign to help the home team secure their first win of the season. Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Huff (Brandon, Fla.) led the way with six saves, as she picked up her first career win and shutout as a River Hawk.
 
"Our keeper position is a big strength for us," explained Bancroft. "Between our two goalkeepers there is never a wrong choice. They have showed up ready to work the whole season. It is nice to see Huff get that first zero and I feel great for her."
 
One goal proved to be enough as UMass Lowell's strong defensive performance played a pivotal role in the team's victory.
 
UMass Lowell made an impact fast when Ragon's strike in the fifth minute provided the 1-0 advantage for the River Hawks. The senior's game winner came off a deflected cross in from sophomore forward Katelyn Vieira (Warwick, R.I.) less than ten yards out.
 
The Bulldogs offensive struggled to maintain possession or win the open ball, allowing the River Hawks to play at their own pace for 90 minutes of action.
 
The two teams drew 12 shots a piece in the contest, as the River Hawks held the slight edge in corner kicks, 8-5.
 
UMass Lowell is back home on Sunday, September 4 when the the squad hosts Wagner at Cushing Field beginning at 6:30 p.m.