LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Softball Head Coach Jen Starek has announced the complete slate for her inaugural season at the helm of River Hawk program. The 2022 campaign is set to open on Friday, February 11 against Seton Hall at the Tiger Invitational hosted by Auburn.
 
The River Hawks, who finished 2021 with a winning record in America East play for the fourth straight season, will aim to continue their successes under Coach Starek's tutelage.
 
"We have a very talented group of both returners and new players," Starek said. "We have a challenging start to the season, which we hope will give us good experience playing at a high level for when we start the America East schedule."
 
Migrating to warmer climates to lead off the campaign, the River Hawks head to four tournaments to get things started. In addition to opening the year with five games at the Tiger Invitational (Feb. 11-13), the squad will also take part in invitationals hosted by Elon (Feb. 19-20), Norfolk State (March 4-6) and Penn State (March 18-20).
 
UMass Lowell will go head-to-head with three 2021 NCAA Tournament participants through its non-conference play, with contests scheduled against Auburn (Feb. 13), Morgan State (Feb. 20) and Boston University (March 23).
 
Other key non-conference matchups include Merrimack Valley rival, Merrimack, on March 29 and Kennedy Cup opponent, Massachusetts, on April 20.
 
After 27 games on the road in the first two months of the season, April brings the excitement of both home games and conference play. The River Hawks kick off a six-game homestand when they welcome Hartford to River View Field for the opening weekend of America East action on April 2-3. The team also hosts conference mate Binghamton for a three-game set during that stretch.
 
From there, UMass Lowell will look for revenge on the road against their 2021 post-season foes UAlbany (April 23-24) and reigning league champion UMBC (April 30-May 1).
 
The River Hawks play their final regular-season series at home vs. Stony Brook on May 6-7, as they look to secure a spot in the America East Championship the following week.
 
With a roster that features 14 veterans and six fresh faces, the River Hawks are eager to get things underway this spring.
 
"We have a lot of players that are very athletic and versatile, which helps us be able to move a lot of people in and out of the lineup to keep us healthy and at our peak," Starek noted. "Our pitching staff is going to be a strength. With five pitchers, who each have their own skillsets, it will allow us to keep using fresh arms and be strong come tournament time."