Sept. 27, 2002

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - The University of Rhode Island women's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-1 decision against New Hampshire in a non-conference contest at the URI Soccer Complex on Friday evening.

The two teams battled through a scoreless first half with Rhode Island holding a 9-5 advantage in shots. The Rams also had nine corner kicks in the first half. In the opening minute of the second half, Rhode Island was awarded a penalty kick after freshman Melanie Kasparek was fouled in the box. Sophomore Claire Landon converted the penalty kick at the 45:30 mark to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.

URI held that advantage throughout most of the game before New Hampshire knotted the score when freshman Ashlee Cieslak fed fellow freshman Jackie Wishoski in the box with a cross. Wishoski then slipped the ball to the left of Rhode Island senior keeper Jamie Epperlein to tie the game at 1-1 at the 85:16 mark. With under a minute left to play, Cieslak put in a rebound that went off Epperlein's outstretched hands and the top post to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead at the 89:11 mark. UNH then held off Rhode Island during the closing moments for the victory.

Epperlein made six saves in goal for Rhode Island while senior Kristen Ouellette had nine stops in net for New Hampshire.

Rhode Island, now 5-3-1 for the season, will return to action on Friday, October 4th when they travel to Dayton for an Atlantic 10 contest with the Flyers at 7:30 p.m.