VESTAL, N.Y. - Riding back-to-back shutout wins, Binghamton women's soccer (9-3-3, 3-2 America East) looks to continue its strong play and strengthen its playoff position when the Bearcats face UMass Lowell (5-5-4, 2-2-1 AE) at 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Binghamton is 5-1-2 on the road in 2017 but will be tested by the River Hawks on their Senior Day at Cushing Field.  

The Bearcats, tied for third in the AE standings, have clamped down on opposing offenses in the last month and have produced seven shutouts in their last 10 games. Most recently, BU has blanked UMBC (3-0) and Stony Brook (1-0). On the season BU has tallied 23 goals and surrendered just 12 (0.8 per game). 

Freshmen keeper Mackenzie Hanna has made her first two collegiate starts after replacing injured senior keeper Katie Hatziyianis in the lineup and the first-year goalie has claimed two shutouts, lowering her season goals against average to 0.33. 

Up front, redshirt junior forward Kayla Saager ranks ninth in the country in points (26) and 14th in goals (10). She also has a league-best six assists. Saager had an assist on the game-winner against Stony Brook on Thursday. Junior midfielder Patty Loonie mopped up Saager's shot that beat the keeper before banking off the far post. Loonie slotted home the rebound for her second goal of the season. 

UMass Lowell is in a two-way tie for fifth place in the standings with the top six teams earning postseason bids. The River Hawks are unbeaten in their last three games - a 2-2 tie against Vermont and wins over Albany (2-1) and UMBC (2-0). Rachel Morrier has six goals and a team-high 13 points. Julia Schneider has a 0.92 GAA with five shutouts. 

Binghamton leads the all-time series 3-1. Last season, BU used a first-half goal on its Senior Day to edge Lowell 1-0 in Vestal. The last time the teams met at Cushing Field, Lowell won 3-0.  


Stay connected with Binghamton women's soccer through social media. Follow on Twitter and Instagram For postgame interviews, videos and photos, check-in with the Bearcats on Facebook and Youtube.