River Hawks Open America East Play vs. Bryant, Head to Providence This Week

LOWELL, Mass. – Currently unbeaten at home this season, the UMass Lowell field hockey team (5-4) rolls into America East Conference play this week, hosting Bryant on Friday, October 2 for a 3 p.m. tilt. The River Hawks are then set to close out the week at Providence for a non-conference matchup on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 12 p.m.

RIVER HAWK REWIND
The River Hawks did not waver in a nor-easter on Sunday against Brown, earning a 2-0 shutout to remain unbeaten at home this season. Junior Audrey Carter (Dover, N.H.) and senior Alice Van Hemelen (Tervuren, Belgium) scored in the decision, while sophomore goalkeeper Megan MacMiller (Tarzana, Calif.) recorded four, second-half saves.

LEADING THE FLOCK
Sophomore Alexa Guarneri (Hockessin, Del.) and Alice Van Hemelen lead the team with 12 points apiece so far in 2026. Guarneri paces the team with six goals, while Van Hemelen totals five goals and two assists. Sophomore Frédèrique van Den Dungen (Rosmalen, Netherlands) has tallied a team-leading three assists. Sophomore goalkeepers Veerle Mous (Breda, Netherlands) and Megan MacMiller boast 16 saves apiece and have combined for a 1.52 goals against average.

SERIES HISTORY
The River Hawks are 17-7 all-time against Bryant, having won the last seven consecutive meetings. UMass Lowell is 1-6-1 in the all-time series against Providence, but have not squared off against the Friars since 2016.

HOME SWEET HOME
The River Hawks are undefeated at home in 2026, winning four consecutive games at Wicked Blue Field so far this season. The team has allowed just one goal in that stretch of games, outscoring the opposition, 17-1, on home turf.

TIP OF THE CAP
Against New Haven on Sept. 11, Alexa Guarneri logged her first career hat trick and the program's first hat trick since Ava Clark scored three goals of her own against New Haven back in 2025.

WEEKLY AWARDS
Megan MacMiller and Frédèrique van Den Dungen earned Goalkeeper and Rookie of the Week, respectively, on Sept. 29. Alexa Guarneri received America East Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 15 for tallying eight points in a 2-0 week against New Haven and Merrimack. Previously, Veerle Mous was named America East Goalkeeper of the Week on Sept. 1 after logging a 0.00 GAA in 60 minutes of action at Stanford and UC Davis.

STIFF COMPETITION
The River Hawks have now faced three nationally ranked opponents this season, including No. 12 Syracuse. Since 2021, the team has challenged 18 nationally ranked opponents, with 12 of the 15 setbacks being decided by two goals or fewer.

OF NOTE
Freshman Mae Kemps scored her first career goal at Syracuse (9.18) … freshman Ella Sluder (Allentown, N.J.) scored her first career goal against New Haven (9.11) … Megan MacMiller logged a personal-best five saves at Massachusetts (9.6).

River Hawks Open America East Play vs. Bryant, Head to Providence This Week

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Players Mentioned

Audrey Carter

Alexa Guarneri

Mae Kemps

Megan MacMiller

Veerle Mous

Ella Sluder

Alice Van Hemelen

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