Season in Review

3/24/2022 5:00:00 PM

LOWELL, Mass. – In her first year at the helm of the UMass Lowell women’s basketball team, head coach Denise King led the River Hawks through a season filled with ups and downs. The goal remained the same; earn a postseason berth. For the fourth straight season, the team made an appearance in the America East postseason tournament.

The River Hawks finished the regular season with an 11-16 overall record and an 8-9 mark in conference play.

After reaching the semifinal game of the conference tournament last season, the River Hawks' objective was simple; return to the postseason and make a title run.

UMass Lowell returned plenty of talent, including senior Kharis Idom and an experienced junior class with Kaylen Banwareesingh, Jaliena Sanchez, Denise Solis, and Shamyjha Price ready to lead the charge. The team welcomed three freshman, Amaya Dowdy, Ivory Finley, and Tasha Lima, as well as sophomore Baylee Teal, a transfer from Fordham.

Shamyjha Price

Jaliena Sanchez

Baylee Teal

UML 68, BRYANT 54 - RECAP

The campaign opened with a matchup with in-state rival Boston University. The River Hawks fell in the season opener, but there was much to look forward to with the group. Denise King earned her first career win as a head coach at home the following game, a 68-54 victory over Bryant.

Head Coach Denise King with Athletic Director Peter Casey

The River Hawks visited the Michigan Wolverines in mid-November for the first big road trip of the season. After falling in Michigan and to another in-state rival Northeastern, the River Hawks got back on track with two straight wins over Central Connecticut and Cornell.

Ivory Finley - AE Rookie of the Week 1/24/22

UMass Lowell then faced a tough six-game stretch that saw two games canceled and four losses. The team responded with the longest win streak of the season, knocking off three conference opponents in UMBC, Maine, and New Hampshire. Ivory Finley was named America East Rookie of the Week on January 24, posting 12.0 points per game and career-high 17 points over UNH.

Finley Named AE Rookie of the Week

UML 70, STONY BROOK 68 – RECAP

Following three straight defeats at the hands of NJIT and Binghamton, UMass Lowell wrapped up a long New York road trip with a matchup at top-seeded Stony Brook. The River Hawks knocked off the Seawolves 70-68 on the hosts’ senior night, as Kaylen Banwareesingh hit the game-winning layup with 2.5 seconds to play. Kharis Idom hit a 1,000 career points in the win over Stony Brook.

Senior Night and Pink Night at the Tsongas Center - 2/26/22

The River Hawks honored the lone senior on the squad, Kharis Idom, on February 26. She is just the second player in the Division I era to surpass 1,000 career points and was recognized for her contributions to the program in a pre-game ceremony.

Closing out the season with a win over Hartford, the River Hawks were primed for another America East first round meeting with fourth-seeded NJIT. UMass Lowell finished the regular season with an 11-15 over record and an 8-8 mark in conference play, earning the fifth seed in the tournament.

UML 33, NJIT 47 – RECAP

UMass Lowell made a third consecutive America East Championship appearance and faced the NJIT Highlanders in the quarterfinal round for the second year in a row. The River Hawks fell in the America East Quarterfinal game against the Highlanders, finishing the season 11-16 overall and 8-9 in conference play.

Finley was also named to the America East All-Rookie Team at the end of the regular season. The Minneapolis, Minnesota native finished the year with 145 points in 24 appearances in her rookie campaign. She made six starts, averaging 6.0 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game. Finley also added 11 assists and 27 steals.

Finley drives to the basket vs. Stony Brook

Finley shooting a three vs. UMBC

I think overall, every season has its peaks and valleys. We had some highs and lows and had to adjust to challenges along the way. I think we all learned a lot about our program this season. I’m excited to see where we will go and to see our younger players develop and our older players continue to grow in their roles. We’re going to continue to work hard and compete every day. The future is bright, I’m excited to see the team grow and mature and I know we can be successful moving forward.”