PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Freshman Kaylen Banwareesingh (Bronx, N.Y.) scored a career-high 11 points, but it was not enough as the UMass Lowell women's basketball team came up short, falling 63-38 at Providence on Sunday night.
 
"I thought the defense was good for the most part," commented head coach Tom Garrick. "From the beginning of the season I think our advantage has been down on the lower block. Denise Solis, even though she is a freshman, has been growing into that role more and more every game."  
 
Ren'Cia Rolling (Lansing, Ill.) led the visitors with 12 points, and freshman Denise Solis (Windsor, Conn.) grabbed 10 rebounds. Providence's Chanell Williams led the Friars with 12 points, while Alyssa Geary and Kaela Webb each chipped in 11.
 
Despite winning the opening tip for the first time this season, the River Hawks saw the home team set the pace through most of the first quarter with three different Friars hitting shots beyond the arc.
 
Following four straight for the home team, a fast-paced final two minutes of the quarter saw Banwareesingh record a layup and three-pointer to cut the deficit 16-7 leading into the second.
 
The River Hawks turned up the heat en route to a 6-0 run to start the second quarter with field goals by Banwareesingh, Rolling and freshman guard Shamyjha Price (Pittsburgh, Pa.).
 
Solis saw the opening points of the third off a jumper, but the Friars responded by going on a 9-0 run, a spurt that lasted until sophomore guard Kharis Idom banked both free throws with 2:14 on the clock.
 
Banwareesingh scored her 11th point of the night in the opening minutes of the fourth, but Providence answered back by finishing on a 7-0 run to hold a 63-38 edge to end the game.
 
Up next, the River Hawks will return home to host Cornell at Costello Athletic Center on Wednesday afternoon.  
 
"We need more toughness and focus," stated Garrick. "We're getting better with adhering to the game plan, so hopefully next time around we will show more consistent numbers."