The Minutewomen had no such issues Sunday with a 3-1 win over UMass Lowell.
The goal-scoring issue is already proving to be significant. UMass (2-4) has now doubled its scoring output to a three-per-game average in its two wins.
“Our point of emphasis today was to attack and be aggressive,” UMass coach Carla Tagliente said. “We need to clean up basic skills and generate more scoring chances.”
The game’s scoring started off with an early goal from Minutewomen senior defensemen Lauren Allymohamed. The goal was set up by a UMass corner that was sent in to Brooke Sabia, who then found Allymohamed for her first goal of the season.
Sabia got on the scoreboard nearly 20 minutes later on assists from Hailey Cockrum and Anne Dijkstra. It was Sabia’s team-leading third goal and seventh point of the season, extending the Minutewomen’s lead to 2-0.
“(Sabia) is back to scoring, which is good,” Tagliente said. “She is in different position this year so (she) is more of a field general then a scorer, but it is nice to get her going.”
The Minutewomen were once again very aggressive, outshooting the River Hawks 20-9. This statistic seems to be a theme this season for UMass. In the Minutewomen’s four losses this year, they are being outshot 43-23. However, in their two wins, they are outshooting their opponents 20-9.
“We hope to keep this aggressiveness going,” Tagliente said. “We need to have that mentality every game but we are young and coming together.”
UMass Lowell finally beat UMass goalie Sam Carlino in the 35th minute to cut the lead in half, behindAnnie Villare’s first goal of the season off a rebound.
Coming out of halftime, the Minutewomen continued their aggressiveness and kept the ball on the River Hawks’ side. Sarah Hawkshaw made it 3-1 UMass with her second goal of the year ten minutes into the half.
“Right now we are trying to find solutions at different positions,” Tagliente said. “It is a positive thing when we can get that many players in to a game.”
UMass has been getting contributions from many different players throughout the year, as nine players have recorded a point for the Minutewomen so far this season.
With Sunday’s victory, Tagliente said that she hopes UMass begins to play at a more consistent level to get ready for Atlantic 10 play beginning on Sept. 26.
The Minutewomen look to continue the aggressiveness and momentum on Friday against Connecticut (4-0).
“It is a positive thing getting any win,” Tagliente said. “We are gaining confidence and we hope that will lead into our next couple of games.”
Tyler Fiedler can be reach by email [email protected] and on Twitter @Tyler_Fiedler
