LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's team dropped its home opener, 84-56, to Holy Cross at the Tsongas Center on Sunday evening.
 
For the second time this season, freshman Paula Lopez (Leon, Spain) led the River Hawks (0-2) in scoring with a 16-point performance on 7-of-11 shooting, including a pair of triples. Kayla Gibbs (Teaneck, N.J.) added 12 points, while Cierra Stanciel (Chicago, Ill.) led the team with six rebounds.
 
The Crusaders (1-0) used an 11-0 run in the first quarter to open up a 23-12 lead after the opening frame and used the momentum throughout the contest. Lauren Manis led all scorers with 21 points, with Ifiniti Thomas-Waheed adding 19 as well.
 
UMass Lowell outscored the visitors 23-12 in the fourth quarter behind nine straight points from Lopez.
 
The River Hawks host Columbia on November 15 at 5 p.m.