Season Opener on the Horizon
The River Hawks are set to hit the road this August, traveling to face Dartmouth on the 20th before heading to Merrimack on the 23rd, a pair of contests that promise to test the squad’s depth early in the campaign.
Coach has assembled a roster that blends the experience of a championship‑winning group with fresh talent, giving the team a solid foundation as they open the season.
In net, senior Rachel Welch has already cemented her place in program history, posting a record 14 saves in a 1‑1 draw with Providence and now leading the nation with 21 total stops, ranking third in saves per game at 10.5.
Up front, Nina Hertz‑Saebbö continues to dominate the America East, sitting atop the conference in both goals and goals per match, a performance that has earned her a 19th‑national ranking among the top scorers.
Freshman forward Marissa Sage has made an immediate impact, becoming the first River Hawk to find the net in consecutive appearances since 2023, adding a dynamic edge to the attack.
Meanwhile, Dartmouth’s standout midfielder Stephanie Lathrop, the reigning Ivy League Most Outstanding Player, will be a focal point for the opposition, underscoring the caliber of competition awaiting the Hawks.
Historically, UMass Lowell holds a modest edge, boasting a 1‑6‑1 record against Dartmouth and a 6‑17‑3 ledger versus Merrimack, with the most recent meeting ending in a 2‑1 loss last year.
The upcoming match at Merrimack will be open to the public at no cost, courtesy of a partnership with Eastern Salt and Mohoney Oil, highlighting community support for the program.