LOWELL, MA (Nov. 15, 2007) – Junior G Gretchen Rodrigues (Acushnet, MA) scored 14 points as UMass Lowell defeated Southern New Hampshire University, 59-57, Thursday night in a non-conference season opener at the Costello Athletic Center.

With the win, UML improved to 1-0 and opens Northeast-10 Conference play Tuesday at home against Saint Michael’s College (5:30). SNHU (0-1) hosts Stonehill also Tuesday at 5:30.

Rodrigues hit 4 of 6 field goals, including 4 of 5 from long range, and also had three steals. Junior F Antonnea Robinson (West Haven, CT) added 12 points, shooting 6 for 7 from the free throw line, while sophomore G Rahshala Valentine (Cincinnati, OH) added 11 points and four assists.

Junior G Alyssa Whitney (Somerville, MA) led the Penmen with 14 points (6 for 10 field goal shooting) and four assists while senior F Heather Marino (Billerica, MA) added 13 points.

The River Hawks led at the break 34-21, in large part to .500 shooting from the floor, while SNHU shot .375. The Penmen, however, shot .571 in the second half (12 for 21) while UML cooled, shooting .360 (9 for 25).

UML led 53-37 with 11;14 left in the game, but SNHU countered with an 20-4 run over the next eight minutes to knot the score, 57-57, with 2:28 to play. Marino and Whitney each scored seven points to fuel the run.

Valentine gave UML the lead for good when she canned a jumpshot with 1:57 remaining. UML had several opportunities to extend the lead, but a jumper, layup and three free throws were off the mark over the final minute.

SNHU took possession with 16 seconds left and, following a timeout with :06 remaining, fell short with a layup and jumper.