Sept. 23, 2001

KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island women's soccer team dropped their Atlantic 10 opener on the road against Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-1 against the Minutewomen.

Massachusetts got on the board first when junior Martha Conover scored on a pass from sophomore Erin Lilly and freshman Stephanie Santos at the 6:51 mark. UMass senior Katelyn Jones and Lilly passed off to sophomore Michelle Luttati for what turned out to be the game-winner at 17:32. Jones capped off the first half scoring for the Minutewomen at 33:53 on an assist from Luttani.

Rhode Island made the score 3-1 at the 71:17 mark when sophomore Dana Mantella connected on a pass from junior Heather Kasparek. That would be as close at the Rams would get, however, as Massachusetts held on for the victory.

Rhode Island starting keeper junior Jamie Epperlein made two saves while senior Kate Hirsch was untested in the second.

Rhode Island, now 3-2 for the season, returns to action on Friday, Sept. 28 when it hosts Vermont at the URI Soccer Complex at 7:00 p.m.

Rhode Island (3-2)    0  1 -- 1
Massachusetts (3-1)   3  0 -- 3

Scoring:
UM	Martha Conover (Erin Lilly, Stephanie Santos), 6:51
UM	Michelle Luttati (Lilly, Katelyn Jones), 17:32
UM	Jones (Santos, Lutatti), 33:53
URI 	Dana Mantella (Heather Kasparek) 71:17

Saves:	UM: Julie Podhrasky (4 saves, 90:00)
        URI: Jamie Epperlein (2 saves, 45:00)
        Kate Hirsch (0 saves, 45:00)