LOWELL, Mass. – Junior Chloe Bowers (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) scored a game-high four points, as the UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team (1-0) took down the Manhattan Jaspers (0-1), 13-6, to open the 2026 season.

"We played a lot of young players who were dealing with first-game jitters and discovering how important it is to stay in structure, recognize key moments, and be adaptable in game," commented Head Coach Lisa Miller. "Manhattan did a nice job of continuing to compete after halftime, and we couldn't quite close the door. We will learn from this and move on."

Bowers, who finished the day with three goals and an assist, was one of eight River Hawks to record at least a point. Right behind her, freshman Brienne Brezynskie (Elmira, Ontario) totaled three goals in her first career game, while sophomore Georgia Ruscitti (Toronto, Ontario) added two goals and an assist. Freshman Leah Verespy (Perkasie, Pa.) added the first two goals of her career, senior Grace Lydon (Rowley, Mass.) and freshman Ada Krupa (East Irondequoit, N.Y.) both chipped in a goal and an assist, and sophomore Coco Clopton (Swampscott, Mass.) added her first career goal. In net, junior Alexa Kuhn (Rocky Point, N.Y.) made 11 saves for a .647 save percentage.

The River Hawks wasted no time scoring their first goal of the season, as Brezynskie ripped a shot past the keeper less than three minutes in to put her team in front, 1-0. Manhattan responded minutes later, scoring back-to-back goals in just over a minute to jump in front midway through the first. UMass Lowell would not be denied, though, using two straight goals by Bowers to own a 3-2 advantage through the first 15 minutes.

Both teams emphasized defense to open the second quarter, as they combined for only four total shots for nearly half the period. The hosts finally broke through with 8:18 on the clock when Ruscitti struck in a woman-up situation, before Brezynskie added her second of the day moments later, extending the lead to three. Although the Jaspers added one at 5:53, UMass Lowell ended the half strong, scoring four unanswered goals, including both Bowers' and Brezynskie's third of the day, to own a commanding 9-3 lead at the break.

Coming out of halftime, both sides once again put their focus on the defensive end, with neither side scoring for over six minutes. Although the visitors registered the first goal of the quarter, the River Hawks responded with haste, scoring moments later when Clopton tallied the first goal of her career. The Jaspers fired back with two quick goals, cutting the lead to 10-6 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, the River Hawks played a perfect quarter, as Verespy found the back of the net twice and Krupa added a goal of her own, while the defense held the opposition scoreless, sealing the 13-6 decision.

Next up, the River Hawks are back at home against Merrimack on Wednesday, February 11. Opening draw is set for 5 p.m. at Cushing Field.