DAVIS, Calif. – Despite a hat trick by Kristina Keith (East Kingston, N.H.), the UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team (0-1) fell, 15-10, to UC Davis (1-0) in the team's season-opener at Aggie Stadium on Friday afternoon.

"We battled tough for most of the game against a physical and talented UC Davis squad," said Head Coach Carissa Medeiros. "We were happy with our effort, and we definitely had a fighting mentality. A couple extra possessions and a few less errors, and that puts us pretty even with a strong, established squad. We had a number of freshmen and first-time contributors see major minutes, and we were very impressed with their poise. Overall, it was a solid start to our 2019 season."
 
The first half opened with a barrage of goals as UC Davis struck with two quick goals within the first six minutes of the game, but the River Hawks quickly responded, thanks to the help of the team's veteran leaders.
 
Kendyl Finelli (Southborough, Mass.), the 2018 top point-scorer for the River Hawks, scored at 23:00 to get UMass Lowell on the board. Keith added her own just 23 seconds later, with an assist by Cameron McKelvin (Westminster, Md.).
 
The Aggies managed to respond shortly after to regain the lead at 20:12 and double it at 18:23.
 
Freshman Samantha Blair (West Islip, N.Y.) also scored in the first half, earning a goal in her first collegiate game. Keith added another one with 15 minutes to play in the first half, marking her ninth multi-goal game in her career. Rebecca Idson scored her 40^th career goal at 2:41, but the Aggies closed out the first half with three goals, and the River Hawks headed into halftime trailing 5-9.
 
UC Davis opened the second half with a pair of goals, but Paige MacEachern (Lynnfield, Mass.) answered back with her first goal of the game. She added another one at 16:10 to bring the score to 7-12.
 
Keith tallied her third goal of the game at 11:27, assisted by MacEachern, while McKelvin added a late-game goal, also assisted by MacEachern.
 
UC Davis continued to chip in goals as well, though, and the Aggies went away with a 15-10 win.
 
Kelly Moran (Newfields, N.H.) had strong draw control performances, leading the way with seven draw controls. Renee Gonzalez (Long Valley, N.J.) had eight saves in the contest.
 
The River Hawks conclude their California trip at Fresno State on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.