LONG ISLAND, N.Y. – In the final regular season road test, the UMass Lowell women's soccer team (7-6-2, 4-3-1 AE) fell to Stony Brook, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon.

"It was a tough game today, we came here short on players and had to play some players out of position," said Head Coach Mira Novak. "I think we started well, but we were not as sharp as we needed to be. I think 0-0 was a fair score at the half. I was happy with the grit the team showed today and the way they fought despite the circumstances."

Stony Brook had the game's first great chance to take the lead in the 14^th minute, as the Seawolves were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Freshman goalkeeper Lisa Sjögren (Skellefteå, Sweden) had help from the woodwork, as the shot rattled off the post and was cleared by the UMass Lowell defense before a second chance opportunity.
 
After the early chance for Stony Brook, the River Hawks created several of their own, but only registered a single shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes. Shots at the half were 8-5 in favor of the Seawolves. Sophomore Calliste Brookshire (Kingston, Mass.) led UMass Lowell with three shots, while junior Anna Edson (Beverly, Mass.) recorded the River Hawks' lone attempt on goal.
 
In the second half, the River Hawks were able to fend off an early push from the Seawolves. Stony Brook moved the ball forward and won three quick corner kicks, but the UMass Lowell back line was able to clear the ball away from danger. The River Hawks continued to keep Stony Brook off the board with great defensive efforts from the entire back line, led by senior Dunja Mostarac (Belgrade, Serbia). Stony Brook threatened again in the 69th minute, but could not capitalize on a point-blank chance.
 
Freshman Kelli Buckley (Shrewsbury, Mass.) fired from the top of the box in the 76^th minute after a nice buildup going forward for the River Hawks, but the shot went high. On the other end of the field, Sjögren made another very important save in the 79^th minute, making a diving stop to keep the score tied, 0-0, as the Seawolves continued to press forward offensively.
 
However, with just 33 seconds to go in regulation, Stony Brook was able to break through on a ball that got behind the River Hawk defenders, as Madison Sleiman snuck in the game's only goal to win it, 1-0. 

"We created some chances that could have won us the game, but at the end it came to one moment and unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of it," added Novak. "I'm so proud of the team and how they supported each other and stepped up. They stayed together during adversity and I don't think I could have asked for more from them today. We need to be ready for Thursday night, and try and get ourselves into the playoffs."
 
The River Hawks return home for Senior Night on Thursday, October 28 against Maine. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Cushing Field.