Box Score (PDF) | Postgame Interview

DURHAM, N.H. – Despite scoring three second-half goals, the UMass Lowell field hockey team (8-10, 2-5 AE) fell, 4-3, at America East foe New Hampshire (6-10, 3-3 AE) on Sunday afternoon.
 
"Giving up four goals to begin the game was hurtful, especially because of all the work we put in this week to not put ourselves in that position" said Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "I thought we had good energy coming out of halftime. We made some changes to become more attacking, and went out and answered. I'm really proud of their efforts in the second half."
 
Freshmen Clara Defourt (Brussels, Belgium) and Sophie Gehrels (Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands) paced the River Hawks' offense with one goal and one assist apiece. Sophomore goalkeeper Eva Berkhout (Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands) tied a career-high with 14 saves in the decision.
 
The Wildcats broke open the scoring less than five minutes into play when Gianna Bensaia fired a hard ball from the middle of the circle just inside the left post.
 
UNH kept the pressure on, extending its margin to 3-0 during the remainder of the half. In the 18th minute, Katie Audino collected a rebound near the left post and lifted a second-chance attempt up into the net, while Kayla Sliz found the back of the cage 10 minutes later with help from Bensaia.
 
Coming out of halftime, the Wildcats added one more score in the 43rd minute off the one-timer from Taylor Scafidi. UMass Lowell was quick to respond, however, taking control of the momentum and cutting the difference in half with a pair of goals of their own. The visitors first got on the board in the 49th minute on a corner attempt, as Grehrels redirected a pass from Defourt on target. Just three minutes later, freshman Katie Lynes (Oakville, Ontario) dished a pass into the circle where the River Hawks had a 2-on-1 situation that allowed sophomore Anouk Lalande (Brussels, Belgium) to slip a shot into the lower left corner.
 
UMass Lowell continued to press, closing the gap to one in the 62nd minute on another corner. This time, Grehrels set up at the top of the circle and pushed a back-pass to Defourt on the wing for a big, sweeping shot. The River Hawks then pulled their keeper in favor of an extra field player in the waning minutes, but UNH was able to hold on for the 4-3 outcome.
 
The Wildcats now own a 7-1 edge in the all-time series. The River Hawks will close out the regular season at home against Vermont on Sunday, October 29 in their Senior Day game beginning at 1 p.m.