LOWELL, Mass. – When asked to describe her 2017 squad in one word, Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk knew exactly how to sum it up: Competitive. According to Hlebichuk, the River Hawks are ready to be more competitive at the Division I level than she has seen in years past and that is bringing a new level of excitement for the beginning of the year.
 
UMass Lowell will kick off the new campaign at home against first-time opponent Colgate on Friday, August 25 at 1 p.m.
 
"Going into my 16th year of coaching, the best part about it is that it always feels new," said Hlebichuk. "I'm excited to have this new 2017 team on the field that doesn't look like any of the teams we've had in the past. Every year is a new beginning for each of these players that have something new to prove and something new to learn."