CHICAGO, Ill. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team (0-1-0) fell to Loyola Chicago (1-0-0) in a high-scoring, 4-2 game at Loyola Soccer Park on Friday night.
 
"We knew we were coming here to learn about ourselves, about the team and the pressure that we can deal with," interim head coach Mira Novak said. "I think, tonight, it showed us that sometimes we're up for it. I think the kids responded well, coming back, trying to pull back and get to 3-3. We were right there – it was close, but there's still work that needs to be done."

Rachel Morrier (Plaistow, N.H.) was a bright spot for the River Hawks, scoring both of their goals and attempting seven shots, with four on goal.
 
Loyola struck first in the matchup, with a free kick by Madison Laudeman that led to a header by Sienna Cruz 16 minutes into the game.

UMass Lowell nearly tied it up in the 26^th minute off a shot from Dunja Mostarac (Belgrade, Serbia), but the ball ricocheted off the cross bar and was corralled by Loyola goalkeeper Kate Moran.

The Ramblers tallied another goal in the 29^th minute, as Abby Swanson sent a pass to Jenna Szczesny who ripped a left-footer from just inside the 18' and landed just inside of the far post.

Morrier kept the River Hawks in it with a free kick from the edge of the 18' in the 37^th minute, helping UMass Lowell head into the half with some momentum.

A few minutes into the second half, Loyola's Madison Kimball notched a goal off a rebound after a shot by Szczesny was saved by goalkeeper Julia Schneider (Bridgewater, Mass.).

Morrier earned her second unassisted goal of the evening in the 65^th minute off another free kick, this time from 25 yards out, beating Moran top shelf. Morrier's goal brought the River Hawks within one goal once again.

Loyola was able to seal the deal with just over 10 minutes left in the game, as Cruz scored her second goal of the game, and Szczesny tallied her second assist. Szczesny tipped a pass to Cruz, who zipped the ball just past Schneider from inside the box.

Schneider and Moran both ended the game with four saves, and the Ramblers managed to attempt 23 shots to the River Hawks' 15. Katelyn Vieira, Kristin Birgisdottir, Chaima Khammar and Lily Fabian all attempted shots, in addition to Mostarac and Morrier.

The River Hawks return to the field on Sunday for a tilt at DePaul at 12 p.m. CT.