Box Score BOSTON, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's basketball team (0-1, 0-0 AE) fell to Boston University (1-0, 0-0 PL) in the season opener on Tuesday night at Case Gymnasium.
 
Junior Jaliena Sanchez (Springfield, Mass.) led the River Hawks with 14 points and added three assists and three rebounds. UMass Lowell shot 33% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. Junior Denise Solis (Windsor, Conn.) added six points, four rebounds, and two assists.

"I think overall we showed a good effort in the first half," said Head Coach Denise King. "We came out with some energy and then I think we hit some bumps in the road. I thought the effort was good to start, though. First game of the season, there's some nerves with that. Overall, it's something we will grow from and improve on."
 
Sanchez led the way after the first quarter with seven points and three assists, as the River Hawks took a 21-15 lead into the break. The Terriers battled back in the second quarter, cutting the UMass Lowell advantage to 25-19. Boston University would go on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 25 at the media timeout. Back and forth action saw the River Hawks trailing 32-30 the half. Sanchez led all scorers at the half with 12 points and Senior Kharis Idom (Orlando, Fla.) had five points and two rebounds.
 
Boston University opened the second half on an 8-0 run to push their lead to 42-32, forcing the River Hawks to call timeout. The Terriers found a rhythm and extended their lead to 57-40 at the end of the third quarter. Boston University continued to score from behind the arc, shooting 80% in the third quarter. UMass Lowell continued to battle and chip away at the lead, but ultimately fell by a score of 76-47.

"I think our defensive effort needs to be much better. I think offensively, when we are disciplined, under control and take our time, I think we can get our offense going and it's pretty good. We have work to do, of course, but it's early in the season, so we are looking ahead to the weekend."
 
The River Hawks return to action this weekend to host Bryant on Saturday, November 13 at Costello Athletic Center for the home opener.