February 26 vs. Connecticut (5 p.m.)
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Twitter: @RiverHawkWLAX | @RiverHawkNation
 
LOWELL, Mass. -- The UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team returns to the field as they open up the spring slate with a home contest against UConn, Friday evening at Cushing Field. 

A SEASON AGO
Despite an abrupt and unexpected ending due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team managed to squeeze a lot of action in just seven games. At the time of the season's cancelation, the River Hawks had compiled a 2-5 overall record, including their first season opening victory in program history.

NEW KIDS IN TOWN
Now in her second season at the helm of the River Hawk program, head coach Lisa Miller announced her first full recruiting class for the 2021 season.
 
The class is highlighted by attackers Megan Brockbank (Bayport, N.Y.), Audrey Ehler (Hingham, Mass.) and Katie Lindstrom (North Attleboro, Mass.); midfielders Emily Jussaume (Tyngsboro, Mass.), Emerson Laundry (Swampscott, Mass.), Kiley McCarthy (North Reading, Mass.), Jaime Notarangelo (Foxborough, Mass.), Hailey Peredna (Derry, N.H.), Emily Stratton (Camillus, N.Y.), Kaitlin Tobin (Southold, N.Y.) and Katie Welch (North Reading, Mass.); defender Rylee Kelly (Harwood, Md.); and goalies Mackenzie Brown (Southington, Conn.) and Jillian Schumacher (Rockville Center, N.Y.)
 
"They are a fantastic group who show promise to positively impact our program over the next four years," commented Miller. "They arrive at UMass Lowell having played big roles in their high school programs and they are well-prepared and excited for the challenge of Division I lacrosse."
 
WHO TO WATCH: OFFENSE EDITION
The River Hawks boasted a strong offense in their shortened season. Twelve different players found the back of the net for a grand total of 73 goals. The squad saw double-digit scoring performances in five of the seven contests to average 10.4 goals per game.
 
Junior Samantha Blair (West Islip, N.Y.) picked up right where she left off following her All-Rookie conference nod in 2019. The attacker led the team in points (22), goals (14), assists (8) and shots on goal (26). She ranked fourth in the America East for points per game (3.14) and ninth in goals per game (2.00). Izzy Liquori (Agawam, Mass) made a name for herself, finishing her rookie campaign second on the team in scoring with 14 points, tallying 11 goals and three assists.
 
WHO TO WATCH: DEFENSE EDITION
The River Hawks will see the return of fifth-year Hana Caster (North Attleboro, Mass.) who finished the 2020 season first in the conference in ground balls per game (3.43), second in caused turnovers per game (2.00) and fifth in draw controls per game (4.86), while landing within the national rankings at No. 11 in ground balls per game and No. 14 in caused turnovers per game.
 
IN NET
Freshman Madison Grazidei (Bayport, N.Y.) had a noteworthy season between the posts for the River Hawks. The netminder stopped 58 shots for a .417 save percentage and a 13.50 goals-against average, matching her personal-best of 13 saves on three separate occasions. Also competing for a spot in the lineup are newbies, Brown and Schumacher.
 
SCOUTING UCONN
The Huskies have already begun action for the 2021 season, traveling to Hofstra this past weekend. UConn had seven different Huskies find the back of the net despite a 17-11 loss to the Pride. Senior Sydney Watson and junior Lia LaPrise led the Huskies with 3 goals apiece. Senior Annie Carroll and junior Landyn White spilt the time in net for the Huskies, Carroll closed out the contest with three saves.

AMERICA EAST ACTION
Conference play begins on March 6 as teams are scheduled to play a total of nine league games, including contests against each opponent once and two foes twice. Due to COVID-19 schedules are subject to change. Full 2021 #AEWLAX Schedule.
 
The top four teams in the conference standings will qualify for the America East Women's Lacrosse Championship, which will be held at tournament's No. 1 seed. The semifinals take place on May 6 and the championship tilt on May 8. The winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
 
FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to health and safety considerations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, spectators will not be allowed to attend UMass Lowell athletic competitions at this time.