HAMDEN, Conn. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team (1-4-1) notched its first win of the season over the Quinnipiac Bobcats (4-2-1), in the team's third overtime game of the season. A penalty kick goal in overtime from redshirt junior Courtney Coleman (Antioch, Ill.) was key in the River Hawks first win.
 
"We controlled the first half and had a lot of possessions," stated Head Coach Mira Novak. "Unfortunately, again we conceded the first goal which made it hard for us to rally, but I was lucky that we kept pushing and we got the equalizer back. I'm really happy with the resiliency of the group getting back into the game with 50 minutes left."
 
The River Hawk offense came out swinging in the first half, as the squad took seven shots compared to the hosts' two. Freshman Anna Edson (Beverly, Mass.) looked to get the visitors on the board when she took a shot from the top of the box, only to be stopped by a diving save from the Quinnipiac keeper.
 
Neither team was able to make a connection in the first half, as sophomore goalkeeper Farrell O'Shaughnessy (Bedford, Mass.) and Quinnipiac keeper Meaghan Phillips each tallied two saves.
 
Coming out of the break, the Bobcats struck first in the 60th minute when they were awarded a throw in and Lauren Wendland capitalized off a rebounded ball to send the shot into the lower right corner of the net, just sneaking by the keeper.
 
After a set of fouls on the Bobcats' goalkeeper, the River Hawks were rewarded with a penalty kick in hopes to tie it up. Sophomore Emily Nelson (Peabody, Mass.) was able to rip a shot into the back-left corner of the net, equalizing the score 1-1.
 
The River Hawks continued to outshoot the Bobcats in the second half, but neither team was able to score the game winner, bringing the match into overtime.
 
In the 97th minute, the Bobcats were called for a handball inside the box, awarding the River Hawks their second penalty kick of the night. Coleman sent the ball flying into the bottom right corner of the net, bringing the final score to 2-1.
 
The River Hawks will hit the road one last time before they see their second round of home action. The squad will take on Harvard next Wednesday for a 7 p.m. matchup at Jordan Field.
 
"Harvard is a strong, quick and talented team," commented Novak. "They're not just a team that runs around and causes fireworks, so next Wednesday should be a good night for both teams to play competitive soccer."