LOWELL, Mass. — The UMass Lowell women's basketball team earned its first America East victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating UAlbany, 58–45, at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex. With the win, the River Hawks move to 7–17 overall and 1–10 in conference play, while the Great Danes fall to 12–12 overall and 2–9 in league action. 

"This was a full 40-minute team effort and just an unbelievable game for us, especially defensively holding Albany to 45 points," said head coach Jon Plefka. "We stuck to the game plan, locked it down and got our first conference win. It was a true team win — everybody that stepped on the floor or supported from the bench played a part in it."

UMass Lowell controlled the game from the opening tip, holding UAlbany to just six points in the first quarter and never trailing across the full 40 minutes. The River Hawks led for more than 36 minutes of game time and built a lead as large as 13 in the fourth to secure the win. 

Junior guard Maddie Rice (Charlottesville, Va.) paced the offense with a game-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, adding five assists and six rebounds. Sophomore forward Nia Chima (Toronto, Ontario) contributed nine points and a team-high nine rebounds, while senior guard Jaini Edmonds (Worcester, Mass.) added nine points and three assists. Sophomore guard Tyanna Medina (Lawrence, Mass.) and senior guard Sabrina Larsson (Uppsala, Sweden) each chipped in key perimeter scoring as the River Hawks knocked down seven three-pointers. 

The River Hawks set the tone early, jumping out to a 14–6 lead after the first quarter behind strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting from Rice. UMass Lowell maintained its advantage through the second, using a balanced scoring effort to take a 28–22 lead into halftime. 

Out of the break, the River Hawks responded to a UAlbany push with timely baskets from Rice and Edmonds to stretch the margin back to nine by the end of the third. A key three from Edmonds and steady interior play helped UMass Lowell carry a 42–33 lead into the final frame. 

In the fourth, the River Hawks continued to control the pace. A three from Amina Kameric (Seattle, Wash.) and strong defensive rebounding from Chima helped keep the Great Danes at bay as UMass Lowell closed out the 58–45 victory. 

UMass Lowell held UAlbany to 31 percent shooting from the field and just 1-for-13 from three while forcing 16 turnovers and battling on the glass throughout the afternoon.

UMass Lowell returns to action on Thursday, Feb. 12, when the River Hawks travel to Bryant for a 6pm matchup.