NORTH EASTON, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team (0-2-3) grabbed a late equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw against the Stonehill Skyhawks (0-3-1) on Thursday afternoon at Skyhawk Field.
 
Junior Hope Santaniello (Agawam, Mass.) scored her first goal as a River Hawk late in the second half to secure a point. Freshman Diana Jedrychowski (Farmington, Conn.) earned her first point of her collegiate career with an assist on the Santaniello goal. Redshirt senior Taylor Burgess (Mendon, Mass.) made three saves on the afternoon.
 
"We were not at our best today. We started the game slow and did not create many chances on goal," said head coach Mira Novak. "I think we had too many mental mistakes and didn't take care of the ball in the first half. Our start to second half was better, but we got frustrated and lost our game a bit. I'm happy for Hope [Santaniello], she fully deserves the goal. Overall, we must raise our level if we are going to compete this season."
 
UMass Lowell had three shots in the opening five minutes of the game, putting the hosts under early pressure. Stonehill's goalkeeper was caught out of position, Hope Santaniello's twisting effort was blocked and cleared away by the defense. The Skyhawks registered their first shot on goal in the 5^th minute, an easy save for Burgess.
 
The midfield battle favored the River Hawks in the opening 20 minutes of the match with the central players winning several challenges and cutting off passing lanes forward. In the 17^th minute, Emma Mitchell carried the ball into space and fired a long-range effort that went over the bar.
 
After winning possession back on the restart, Laura Cetina weaved through three Stonehill defenders to create space at the top of the box. The right-footed shot forced a diving save from Jackson to keep the game level.
 
The Skyhawks started to swing momentum with good spells of possession in the River Hawks' defensive end. Back-to-back corners in the 33^rd minute had UMass Lowell pinned back with the hosts looking to strike first. Calm under pressure, Burgess came out for two strong punches and the back line cleared the ball from danger.
 
In the 41^st minute, Stonehill had a great chance to take the lead with a shot just outside the box. Katie Carey danced through two tackles and ripped a strike from 20 yards out that went just high of the top corner. The teams went into the break tied 0-0 with UMass Lowell holding a 9-6 edge in shot attempts. Stonehill had a 6-1 edge in corners in the first half.
 
UMass Lowell opened the second half with good pressure and an early chance from Laura Cetina forced a diving save from Jackson in the 54^th minute. Despite the pressure, Stoenhill countered in the 59^th minute as Hannah Anselmo made a nice move to cut toward goal on the right wing. Burgess made a brilliant diving save, but Olivia Webster was there to put the rebound away and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
 
Needing an equalizer late, the River Hawks pinned the Skyhawks in their defensive end and earned back-to-back corners. Stonehill cleared their lines, but the pressure continued from the visitors.
 
In the 87^th minute, Calliste Brookshire's free kick from the left side caused a scramble in the box. Hope Santaniello pounced on the loose ball and tucked away her first as a River Hawk, tying the game.
 
The River Hawks had another chance in the final 10 seconds as a headed ball bounced just wide of the post and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
 
Next up, UMass Lowell returns home to take on Drexel. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Cushing Field on Sunday, September 3.