LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's basketball team (9-12, 6-6 AE) fell to the NJIT Highlanders (13-11, 8-5 AE) 60-50 on Wednesday night at the Costello Athletic Center.
 
Junior Denise Solis (Windsor, Conn.)  scored a career-high 22 points on 7-13 shooting and going 8-11 from the free throw line. Sophomore Baylee Teal (Penfield, N.Y.) added eight points. Solis and fellow junior Shamyjha Price (Pittsburgh, Penn.) grabbed five boards each to lead the team.
 
The River Hawks struggled from the field in the first quarter, shooting 1-14 from the field. NJIT was 7-19 from the field and held a 15-6 after the first quarter. The Highlanders won the battle on the boards in the opening frame, grabbing 16 rebounds, eight on each end of the floor. The second quarter was much better from UMass Lowell, but neither team attempted too many shots. The River Hawks outscored the Highlanders 11-10 in the second and trailed 25-17 at the half.
 
Out of the break, the River Hawks had more energy and were able to battle back into the game. Solis led the way, making her presence known in the paint. The junior provided the River Hawks with a spark with a big three-point play to cut the NJIT lead to 38-32 at the media timeout. On the defensive end, UMass Lowell picked up the pace and applied relentless pressure on the Highlander offense. However, NJIT was able to stay composed and make important shots to keep the lead.
 
Heading into the final frame, UMass Lowell trailed 45-36, looking for more scoring from the rest of team. Solis continued to lead the River Hawks and was a thorn in the side of the Highlander defense. The junior topped her career-high with seven fourth quarter points. Despite cutting the lead to six several times in the fourth, the River Hawks could not find a way to take the lead. NJIT hit shots down the stretch and went home with a 60-50 victory.
 
Solis' 22-point performance is her second 20+ game this season and a new career-high. The River Hawks will have two days before their next game. They will take on Binghamton on the road Saturday, February 19.