WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Junior Jenna Berger (Waterloo, Ontario) scored the lone goal as the No. 4 seeded UMass Lowell field hockey team (7-5) faced a 4-1 setback against top-ranked Monmouth (10-2) in the semifinals of the 2021 America East Championship.
 
The River Hawks, who were making their first appearance in the postseason since 2017 and their first ever appearance in the America East semifinals, finished the shortened 2021 season with a 7-5 record. This marks the team's best winning percentage (.583) since elevating to Division I.
 
Monmouth entered the semifinal matchup ranked 20th in the nation. The team is now headed for its second straight appearance in the America East title game.
 
"We couldn't have picked a worse day to have our worst day," said Head Coach Shannon LeBlanc. "I am disappointed in our performance today and we lacked our typical sharpness, but today in no way is a reflection of our season. I am very proud of the team over the course of the last four months. These 20 young women were disciplined and accountable during this very challenging time, and played tremendous hockey in a very tough conference to earn a spot in this tournament."
 
Freshman Eleonore Boekhorst (Bilthoven, Netherlands), the recently crowned America East Goalkeeper of the Year, registered five saves in the decision. Monmouth's Kate O'Hogan finished the contest with two stops for the win.
 
The home team opened the scoring less than three minutes into the game, when Reese Bloomstead drove a long pass into the circle for Annick van Lange, who redirected it on cage.
 
Berger threatened to retaliate for the River Hawks in the sixth minute, and although O'Hogan made a good save on that attempt, Berger's reverse stick off of a rebound would not be stopped two minutes later, forcing a 1-1 stalemate.  
 
The board stayed even until Monmouth was awarded a penalty stroke in the 20th minute, as Ireen Frenken converted to put her squad on top, 2-1, through the first half of action.
 
Monmouth would then add two insurance goals on corner chances in the third quarter to pull away. Aylin Aufenacker first finished a loose ball from the post in the 33rd minute before Frenken scored her second of the day, this time tipping a pass up over the outstretched Boekhorst to help secure the 4-1 victory.

"I would also like to thank our two seniors, Clara (Defourt) and Sophie (Kroeze), who have been remarkable not just this year, but for the past four years," concluded LeBlanc. "They are two of the best program players we have had the luxury of coaching. Their leadership, their heart, their skill and genuine love for this university and field hockey program will be impactful for a long time to come."