Robert Largenton
Connector Staff

What is the best way to rebound from a 93-47 loss to a conference opponent? By beating another conference opponent.
The UMass Lowell women’s basketball team returned to the Costello Athletic Center on Saturday to take on the Retrievers of UMBC.

While the team faced some adversity in the first half, they were able to rally for a come-from-behind victory, 59-51.

The River Hawks improved their overall record to 4-18 and their conference record to 3-8 leading into an important conference game on Wednesday against the University of Vermont for 6th place in the America East conference.
The Retrievers jumped out to a quick lead in the first half and lead by as much as 17 with two minutes left in the first half.

What looked like another tough game for the River Hawks quickly started turning around. The River Hawks offense started to pick up and behind great shooting from Jasmine McRoy and Nicole Hayner, narrowed the margin to only seven points going into the half.

In the second half, the River Hawks came out looking like their true selves. They fed the ball low and
scored baskets with hard work and solid shooting from everyone on the floor.

UMBC held onto their slim lead for as long as they could, but with three minutes left in the game the River Hawks took the lead and never relinquished it. The River Hawks played hard defense and hit shots when it counted and just would not give up on themselves until the end.

Behind this gritty attitude that coach Sarah Behn has instilled in her team,

The River Hawks’ efforts in the game were led by Nicole Hayner who had 17 points including 5 three pointers, and Jasmine McRoy, who had 16 points and nine rebounds.

Lindsey Doucette had another solid game with eight points and nine rebounds, while Lauren Fiola had six points and seven rebounds. Brittany Lomanno had four points and seven assists as she got the start at point guard in the game, and Shannon Samuels had four points and two assists in 32 minutes of play.

The biggest advantage the River Hawks had in the game was its bench. The River Hawks bench chipped in 21 points compared to just seven from UMBC’s bench. The production from their bench shows the River Hawks have depth in their game, and that is one of the most valuable things any basketball team can have.