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UMass Lowell excited about 14-player incoming hockey class

Outside his office a couple of slap shots from the Merrimack River, temperatures would soon soar past 90 degrees. Hockey season seemed light years away, but UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin was busy earlier this week assembling a roster he hopes will shine during the 2025-26 season. The college hockey landscape is ever changing […]

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Outside his office a couple of slap shots from the Merrimack River, temperatures would soon soar past 90 degrees.

Hockey season seemed light years away, but UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin was busy earlier this week assembling a roster he hopes will shine during the 2025-26 season.

The college hockey landscape is ever changing – and so are the rosters of every Division 1 team. UML will turn over about half its roster from a team that went 16-16-4 last season.

Bazin and his staff are excited about the 14 newcomers who will don River Hawk uniforms in the fall. (If they find the right forward, likely a center, a 15th player will finalize the incoming class.)

“We want to get faster. It’s more important than it’s ever been. It’s the key to the game. We want to get grittier. Time will tell whether we can improve on our toughness,” he said. “We’re excited. We think they’re good prospects. Every team is replacing half their team. It’s challenging and exciting all wrapped into one.”

Eleven of the 14 newcomers hail from Canada. One major change is for the first time NCAA programs can add players with Major Junior experience. UML is bringing in seven with Canadian Hockey League experience.

Three are National Hockey League draft picks.

Goaltenders

Austin Elliott: A 6-1, 185-pound native of Strathmore, Alb., Elliott was waived early in the season. Switching from the Western Hockey League to the Ontario Hockey League, Elliott caught fire for the London Knights.

He won 55 of 58 starts with the Knights and led them to the prestigious Memorial Cup championship, compiling a .943 save percentage in the pressure-filled tournament. Elliott went 32-1 during the regular season with a .924 save percentage and then continued his winning ways in the postseason.

Austin Elliott (Courtesy photo)
Austin Elliott (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “Austin had a very strong year. It’s exciting to win a Memorial Cup. He’s very calm. Very composed. He’s eager to play college hockey. He’s humble and he’s eager to win.”

Samuel Richard: Richard also has a winning background. A 6-foot, 170-pound native of Ste-Catherine, Que., Richard guided the University of New Brunswick to the University Cup title two seasons ago.

In this past season, he sported a 1.48 goals against average and .926 save percentage during the regular season for New Brunswick.

Samuel Richard (Courtesy photo)
Samuel Richard (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s been to three NHL camps. He’s got a good attitude and knows what he needs to do. He’s a battler. He was a national champion two years ago. He’s won also. He’s no kid.”

Nikola Goich: Goich is a big goaltender with plenty of potential. He’s coming off a strong season with Shreveport of the North American Hockey League. A 6-5, 175-pound netminder, Goich was 24-11-3 last season with a 2.24 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

Nikola Goich (Courtesy photo)
Nikola Goich (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s a big and he’s a southpaw. He had a strong season. It will be interesting to see him complement the other guys. I think he has a huge amount of upside.”

Forwards

Diego Buttazzoni: Buttazzoni figures to make an immediate impact. The 5-9, 183-pound native of Langley, B.C., enjoyed a productive season with Portland of the Western Hockey League, scoring 38 goals and 77 points during the regular season.

He elevated his play in 18 playoff games, netting 14 goals and 27 points. He’s the younger brother of UML forward Mirko Buttazzoni, who’s coming off a strong freshman season.

Diego Buttazzoni (Courtesy photo)
Diego Buttazzoni (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “I would say his shot is his biggest asset. He likes to have the puck in big moments. He wants to be the guy to score a game-winning goal. He’s a goal scorer. There are few shoot-first guys.”

Jay Ahearn: A transfer from Niagara University, Ahearn is a player to watch. He scored 82 points in 87 games at Niagara and is coming off a 19-goal campaign which topped his team. His 39 points tied for the team high.

Jay Ahearn (Courtesy photo)
Jay Ahearn (Courtesy photo)

A 5-11, 170-pound native of Staten Island, N.Y., Ahearn is excited about the challenge of playing in Hockey East.

Bazin: “He had a good year last year. He was a two-time captain at Niagara. Most of his goals come from within 10 feet of the net. My former assistant (Jason Lammers) can’t say enough good things about him. He’s always where you can score goals.”

Cole Lonsdale: A 5-11, 170-pound speedster from Mississauga, Ont., Lonsdale was the captain and MVP of his junior team.

Lonsdale played for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League and tied for the team lead in goals (27) and points (67). Over his final two seasons with the Clippers, Lonsdale racked up 103 points in 103 games.

Cole Lonsdale (Courtesy photo)
Cole Lonsdale (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s a good skater. He moves well. He’ll play the middle for us and we need some centers. He scored more than a point a game. He’s a center and he’s good on the power play.”

Dalyn Wakely: UML coaches are excited to work with the 6-1, 198-pound center from Port Hope, Ont.

Wakely is a 2024 sixth-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers. He excelled last season for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 23 goals and 58 points in 55 regular-season games. His production rose in the playoffs when he collected 24 points over 16 games.

Dalyn Wakely (Courtesy photo)
Dalyn Wakely (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s a very good two-way center. Responsible. Honest. Good citizen. A two-time humanitarian winner. Center is where you start your offense. He had 104 points two years ago. He was an assistant captain.”

Defensemen

Tnias Mathurin: Mathurin, a native of Ajax, Ont., has good size (6-3, 201 pounds) and skating ability.

He was a fifth-round pick (137th overall) of the Detroit Red Wings in 2022. Mathurin played this past season for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. In 49 regular-season games, he posted a 7-16-23 line.

Tnias Mathurin (Courtesy photo)
Tnias Mathurin (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s a 6-3 defenseman. We’re looking forward to see what he can do. He’s a two-way guy. He’s got a good presence about him. I think he’s going to be a good hockey player.”

Nate Misskey: Another big blueliner (6-4, 212 pounds), Misskey hails from Melford, Sask. Misskey was a two-time assistant captain for the Victoria Royals of the WHL.

In 2024 he was a fifth-round (143rd overall) selection of the San Jose Sharks. A right-shot defenseman, Misskey posted a 10-37-47 line in 63 regular-season games last season.

Nate Misskey (Courtesy photo)
Nate Misskey (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He played three full years in the WHL. He was a two-year assistant captain. Defense is his strength. He’s not defunct of any (offensive) skill. He contributes. He’ll be very helpful on the special teams.”

Luke Shipley: A 6-foot, 187-pound native of Powell River, B.C., Shipley figures to see plenty of time on the power play.

He produced loads of points for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, netting 20 goals and 57 points in 60 regular-season games. That was a 21-point improvement in five fewer games from the previous season.

Luke Shipley (Courtesy photo)
Luke Shipley (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He’s an intriguing guy. He really came into his own this year. He’s going to be a power play guy. He has a shot to help our special teams. Things seemed to click for him. He was a plus-37, which is impressive.”

Josh Mori: Mori will arrive in Lowell with plenty of experience after having skated in 230 WHL games. A 5-11, 174-pound native of Richmond, B.C., the smooth-skating Mori played this past season for the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Mori scored four goals and compiled 30 points in 68 regular-season games.

Josh Mori (Courtesy photo)
Josh Mori (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “Josh is a good skater. I think that’s the most important part of the game. He played four years in the WHL. He’s a defender. He’s hard to play against. He was an assistant captain in Edmonton.”

Dominic Payne: A 6-2, 190-pound defenseman, Payne is transferring to UML from Canisius University after a promising freshman season.

The North Vancouver, B.C., native was the top-scoring defenseman at Canisius as he posted 6-8-14 totals in 37 games. Bazin said Payne has the ability to play professionally if he develops.

Dominic Payne (Courtesy photo)
Dominic Payne (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “I like his skating ability. I think he’s going to be one of the best skaters on the team. He knows what this level demands. He had 14 points as a freshman and I think he has a lot of upside.”

James Johnson: A giant on skates, the 6-6, 203-pound Johnson has the tools to be, in time, a shutdown defender. The Ajax, Ont., native played 50 games last season in the British Columbia Hockey League.

He compiled 12 points, splitting time between Blackfalds and Nanaimo.

James Johnson (Courtesy photo)
James Johnson (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “Big kid. He has to put some weight on. This kid is a true 6-foot-6. For his size his skating his good. He’s a wonderful kid and a competitive guy. I hope his best hockey is ahead of him.”

August Classon: A native of Stockholm, Sweden, the 6-foot, 185-pound Classon played in his native country before travelling to the U.S. and skating in the North American Hockey League last season.

In 45 regular-season games, he registered a 8-21-29 line and then added six points in 10 playoff games for the Lone Star Brahmas.

August Classon (Courtesy photo)
August Classon (Courtesy photo)

Bazin: “He had a good year. He’s a skater. He’s a contributor on both sides of the ice. His skating his strong, really strong. He almost had a point a game. That’s pretty good. He’ll be interesting to watch.”



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WOMEN'S SOCCER FALLS TO IONA 1

Next Game: at Niagara University 8/21/2025 | 7:00 P.M. Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7:00 P.M. at Niagara University New Rochelle, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women’s soccer team were defeated 1-0 in its second game of the 2025 season against the Iona Gaels. Le Moyne (0-2)Starters: McPheron (GK), Calle, Sylstra, Courcy, Cookinham, Vigliotti, LeBlanc, Barhoumhi, Pietrzak, […]

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WOMEN'S SOCCER FALLS TO IONA 1


Niagara University

Next Game:
at Niagara University
8/21/2025 | 7:00 P.M.

Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7:00 P.M.

at Niagara University

New Rochelle, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women’s soccer team were defeated 1-0 in its second game of the 2025 season against the Iona Gaels. Le Moyne (0-2)Starters: McPheron (GK), Calle, Sylstra, Courcy, Cookinham, Vigliotti, LeBlanc, Barhoumhi, Pietrzak, Casey, Cutuli Iona (1-1)Starters: Rogers (GK), Infantino, Jones, Haertter, Smith, Canetti, Graziano, Little, Ryan, Banegas, Thompson. Recap:  The Dolphins made one change to their starting XI from their previous matchup against Rhode Island, as senior midfielder Jasmina Barhoumi (Worms, Germany/Nelly-Sachs-IGS/D’Youville) recorded her first start of the season.
 
Le Moyne looked to get on the front foot quickly, as they registered their first shot of the game taken by fifth year midfielder Gabriella Sylstra (Little Falls, N.Y./Little Falls/Richard Bland/Old Dominion) in the 4th minute of play, not troubling junior goalkeeper Savannah Rogers of the Gaels.
 
Rogers was the first keeper called into action, as graduate student midfielder Danielle Casey (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenedehowa) fired two shots into the bottom corner, both of which were saved by Rogers.
 
In the 15th minute of play, Iona earned its first shot of the game taken by senior midfielder Krystal Haertter, sailing over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Three minutes later, Haertter took another shot, hitting the right post but staying out of the net to keep the score even.
 
The two sides continue to battle throughout the first half, until Iona were able to find a breakthrough in the 42nd minute of play. The Gaels earned a throw in close to the corner flag, taken by freshman forward Mya Jackson. The initial throw in was cleared back out wide by the ‘Phins, before being redirected back into the box by Jackson, eventually finding the head of junior defender Camille Daniel, placing her header into the bottom left corner to give the Gaels the lead just before halftime.
 
Both Le Moyne and Iona recorded four shots in the first half as the Gaels entered the break leading 1-0.
 
The second half did not see as many shots as the first, with both sides registering just one shot a piece. Freshman forward Kaitlyn Gilhooly (Chicopee, Mass./Chicopee Comprehensive) got things started for the ‘Phins, forcing Rogers into making her third and final save of the game in the 48th minute.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Mikayla McPheron (Rome, N.Y./Rome Free Academy) earned her first save of the game in the 67th minute of play, as Jackson took a shot down the middle of the goal.
 
The Gaels would see out the game to finish with a 1-0 result, earning their first win of the season.
 
Following today’s action, Le Moyne will continue its road stretch on Thursday, August 21st as they are set to take on the Purple Eagles of Niagara University. Action is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 P.M.
 
 

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Tigers Battle Pioneers To A Draw In Home Opener

Next Game: at Univ. of Buffalo 8/21/2025 | 7 pm ET Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7 pm ET at Univ. of Buffalo History The Colorado College women’s soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie with the University of Denver on Sunday in the home opener.  CC (1-0-1) is undefeated after the first two games of the season for […]

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Tigers Battle Pioneers To A Draw In Home Opener


Univ. of Buffalo

Next Game:
at Univ. of Buffalo
8/21/2025 | 7 pm ET

Aug. 21 (Thu) / 7 pm ET

at Univ. of Buffalo

History

The Colorado College women’s soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie with the University of Denver on Sunday in the home opener. 
 
CC (1-0-1) is undefeated after the first two games of the season for the first time since the 2021 COVID season. The Tigers took 10 shots compared to the Pioneers’ 15. DU had seven shots on goal compared to CC’s 3. 
 
“That was a tough battle against a talented Denver team,” head coach Keri Sanchez said.  “I thought we got better from the first half to the second half, and we had a solid performance in defense. I love the mentality of this team and their unity and grit in the fight.”
 
Sophomore Nadia Cassamajor shone in her Stewart Field debut. The Holy Cross transfer led the team with four shots, including the potential winner in the 85th minute that was barely deflected by the DU goalkeeper Alina Santos to keep the game scoreless. 
 
Junior Tyler Rose found Cassamajor one-on-one with the keeper, who rocketed the ball to the top left corner of the net, but Santos got enough to deflect the shot away from harm. 
 
It was one of the best looks for the Tigers, who also had senior Makenna Kolson and Emily Hitt with shots on net. Kolson had the first one of the game in the 21st minute, which hit the fingertips of the goalkeeper and bounced out off the crossbar. 
 
The Pios outshot the Tigers 7-3 in the first half. Goalkeeper Regan Wallace finished the game with seven saves, including two in the opening 45. 
 
In the second half, Wallace made a save in the 50th and 52nd minutes, Hitt had her shot on goal in the 51st minute as both teams looked to take the lead. 
 
The next solid scoring chance didn’t come again until the 76th minute when the Pioneers pushed downfield and Lily O’Grady laced a shot at the net, but Wallace saved it. 
 
Both teams received yellow cards in the 80th and 81st minutes as time ticked down. Cassamajor nearly broke the game open in the 85th minute after Rose made a pass from the ground to an open Cassamajor, whose shot was saved by Santos. 
 
The Pioneers were able to get one more look on the net before time expired, and the game settled in a 0-0 tie. 
 
It’s the second tie in the last three meetings for the two programs, both coming at Stewart Field. 
 
Freshman Taylor Mentink made her first college start and finished the game playing all 90 minutes. 
 
CC will hit the road next week on an East Coast road trip to New York to face the University at Buffalo on Thursday, Aug. 21, and Canisius on Sunday, Aug. 24th. 
 

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Women's Soccer vs Denver on 8/17/2025

45:00 Start of 2nd period [45:00]. Start of 2nd period [45:00]. 45:00 FOR DU: , #95 Santos, Alina, #3 Philbin, Annie, #19 Nguyen, Kera, #8 Tate, Hannah, #21 Dreiling, Samantha, #12 Vincent, Luci, #25 Miller, Audrey, #9 Lund, Lilly, #20 Thielbahr, Emma, #18 LaPiano, Rowan, #27 Harvey, Kacey. FOR DU: , #95 Santos, Alina, #3 […]

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Women's Soccer vs Denver on 8/17/2025

45:00 Start of 2nd period [45:00]. Start of 2nd period [45:00]. 45:00 FOR DU: , #95 Santos, Alina, #3 Philbin, Annie, #19 Nguyen, Kera, #8 Tate, Hannah, #21 Dreiling, Samantha, #12 Vincent, Luci, #25 Miller, Audrey, #9 Lund, Lilly, #20 Thielbahr, Emma, #18 LaPiano, Rowan, #27 Harvey, Kacey. FOR DU: , #95 Santos, Alina, #3 Philbin, Annie, #19 Nguyen, Kera, #8 Tate, Hannah, #21 Dreiling, Samantha, #12 Vincent, Luci, #25 Miller, Audrey, #9 Lund, Lilly, #20 Thielbahr, Emma, #18 LaPiano, Rowan, #27 Harvey, Kacey. 45:00 FOR CC: , #1 Wallace, Regan, #2 Hitt, Emily, #4 Smith, Lily, #13 Mayne, Sophia, #7 Memoly, Kendall, #11 Cassamajor, Nadia, #19 Rose, Tyler, #18 Kolson, Makenna, #28 Huebner, Gracie, #22 Mentink, Taylor, #17 Anderson, Jessica, #21 Schoenbeck, Finley. FOR CC: , #1 Wallace, Regan, #2 Hitt, Emily, #4 Smith, Lily, #13 Mayne, Sophia, #7 Memoly, Kendall, #11 Cassamajor, Nadia, #19 Rose, Tyler, #18 Kolson, Makenna, #28 Huebner, Gracie, #22 Mentink, Taylor, #17 Anderson, Jessica, #21 Schoenbeck, Finley. 45:00 CC substitution: Cassamajor, Nadia for Smith, Kylie. CC substitution: Cassamajor, Nadia for Smith, Kylie. 45:00 CC substitution: Rose, Tyler for Bos, Dayleigh. CC substitution: Rose, Tyler for Bos, Dayleigh. 45:00 CC substitution: Schoenbeck, Finley for Taylor, Pressly. CC substitution: Schoenbeck, Finley for Taylor, Pressly. 45:00 CC substitution: Huebner, Gracie for Palkovic, Eden. CC substitution: Huebner, Gracie for Palkovic, Eden. 45:00 DU substitution: Dreiling, Samantha for Chidiac, Isabella. DU substitution: Dreiling, Samantha for Chidiac, Isabella. 45:00 DU substitution: Miller, Audrey for O’Grady, Lily. DU substitution: Miller, Audrey for O’Grady, Lily. 46:14 Shot by CC Cassamajor, Nadia. Shot by CC Cassamajor, Nadia. 48:44 Foul on Mayne, Sophia. Foul on Mayne, Sophia. 49:20 Shot by DU Nguyen, Kera, top left, saved by Wallace, Regan. Shot by DU Nguyen, Kera, top left, saved by Wallace, Regan. 50:28 Shot by CC Hitt, Emily, top, saved by Santos, Alina. Shot by CC Hitt, Emily, top, saved by Santos, Alina. 51:49 Shot by DU Nguyen, Kera, top, saved by Wallace, Regan. Shot by DU Nguyen, Kera, top, saved by Wallace, Regan. 53:16 Foul on Harvey, Kacey. Foul on Harvey, Kacey. 53:55 Shot by CC Kolson, Makenna, out top right. Shot by CC Kolson, Makenna, out top right. 56:02 Foul on Lund, Lilly. Foul on Lund, Lilly. 56:22 Corner kick [56:22]. Corner kick [56:22]. 60:42 CC substitution: unknown player for Huebner, Gracie. CC substitution: unknown player for Huebner, Gracie. 60:49 CC substitution: Bos, Dayleigh for Mayne, Sophia. CC substitution: Bos, Dayleigh for Mayne, Sophia. 61:36 Corner kick [61:36]. Corner kick [61:36]. 62:19 CC substitution: Smith, Kylie for Cassamajor, Nadia. CC substitution: Smith, Kylie for Cassamajor, Nadia. 62:19 CC substitution: Smith, Emma for Rose, Tyler. CC substitution: Smith, Emma for Rose, Tyler. 62:19 DU substitution: Payne, Shay for Nguyen, Kera. DU substitution: Payne, Shay for Nguyen, Kera. 62:19 DU substitution: Chidiac, Isabella for Dreiling, Samantha. DU substitution: Chidiac, Isabella for Dreiling, Samantha. 62:24 Shot by DU Ahern, Brooke, out top right. Shot by DU Ahern, Brooke, out top right. 63:42 Shot by CC Smith, Kylie. Shot by CC Smith, Kylie. 65:34 Foul on Tate, Hannah. Foul on Tate, Hannah. 66:38 DU substitution: O’Grady, Lily for Tate, Hannah. DU substitution: O’Grady, Lily for Tate, Hannah. 70:57 DU substitution: Baker, Avery for O’Grady, Lily. DU substitution: Baker, Avery for O’Grady, Lily. 70:57 DU substitution: Mooney, Kit for Lund, Lilly. DU substitution: Mooney, Kit for Lund, Lilly. 70:57 DU substitution: unknown player for LaPiano, Rowan. DU substitution: unknown player for LaPiano, Rowan. 71:02 Foul on Philbin, Annie. Foul on Philbin, Annie. 72:36 CC substitution: Taylor, Pressly for Kolson, Makenna. CC substitution: Taylor, Pressly for Kolson, Makenna. 72:36 DU substitution: Ahern, Brooke for unknown player. DU substitution: Ahern, Brooke for unknown player. 73:06 Corner kick [73:06]. Corner kick [73:06]. 74:08 CC substitution: Rose, Tyler for Smith, Kylie. CC substitution: Rose, Tyler for Smith, Kylie. 74:08 CC substitution: Cassamajor, Nadia for Smith, Emma. CC substitution: Cassamajor, Nadia for Smith, Emma. 74:08 CC substitution: Kolson, Makenna for Taylor, Pressly. CC substitution: Kolson, Makenna for Taylor, Pressly. 74:09 Shot by DU Ahern, Brooke, out top left. Shot by DU Ahern, Brooke, out top left. 74:31 Foul on Memoly, Kendall. Foul on Memoly, Kendall. 75:12 Shot by DU O’Grady, Lily, bottom center, saved by Wallace, Regan. Shot by DU O’Grady, Lily, bottom center, saved by Wallace, Regan. 75:53 Shot by DU Harvey, Kacey, out top. Shot by DU Harvey, Kacey, out top. 76:12 DU substitution: Dreiling, Samantha for Ahern, Brooke. DU substitution: Dreiling, Samantha for Ahern, Brooke. 77:38 DU substitution: O’Grady, Lily for Mooney, Kit. DU substitution: O’Grady, Lily for Mooney, Kit. 77:57 Shot by CC Schoenbeck, Finley, out top right. Shot by CC Schoenbeck, Finley, out top right. 78:39 CC substitution: Mayne, Sophia for Bos, Dayleigh. CC substitution: Mayne, Sophia for Bos, Dayleigh. 78:39 DU substitution: Tate, Hannah for Miller, Audrey. DU substitution: Tate, Hannah for Miller, Audrey. 78:39 DU substitution: unknown player for Harvey, Kacey. DU substitution: unknown player for Harvey, Kacey. 79:14 Foul on Hitt, Emily. Foul on Hitt, Emily. 79:23 Yellow card on CC Hitt, Emily. Yellow card on CC Hitt, Emily. 79:57 Foul on O’Grady, Lily. Foul on O’Grady, Lily. 80:05 Yellow card on DU O’Grady, Lily. Yellow card on DU O’Grady, Lily. 80:19 DU substitution: Mooney, Kit for unknown player. DU substitution: Mooney, Kit for unknown player. 80:26 Shot by DU Dreiling, Samantha, bottom center, saved by Wallace, Regan. Shot by DU Dreiling, Samantha, bottom center, saved by Wallace, Regan. 81:21 DU substitution: Lund, Lilly for Payne, Shay. DU substitution: Lund, Lilly for Payne, Shay. 84:05 Foul on Lund, Lilly. Foul on Lund, Lilly. 84:38 Shot by CC Cassamajor, Nadia, top left, saved by Santos, Alina. Shot by CC Cassamajor, Nadia, top left, saved by Santos, Alina. 85:01 Foul on Lund, Lilly. Foul on Lund, Lilly. 86:55 DU substitution: Miller, Audrey for O’Grady, Lily. DU substitution: Miller, Audrey for O’Grady, Lily. 88:04 Shot by DU Miller, Audrey, top left, saved by Wallace, Regan. Shot by DU Miller, Audrey, top left, saved by Wallace, Regan. 89:08 Foul on Chidiac, Isabella. Foul on Chidiac, Isabella. 89:58 Shot by CC Memoly, Kendall, blocked. Shot by CC Memoly, Kendall, blocked. 90:00 End of period [90:00]. End of period [90:00].
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FRESHMAN GRAYSON EDWARDS SCORES GAME WINNING GOAL IN SEASON OPENER

Story Links SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Grayson Edwards’ first collegiate goal proved to be the winner as the Bryant women’s soccer team kicked off its 2025 season with a 1-0 win over Stonehill on Sunday afternoon. Edwards’ strike in the 30th minute would be all the scoring on Sunday as the Black and Gold opened the season […]

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FRESHMAN GRAYSON EDWARDS SCORES GAME WINNING GOAL IN SEASON OPENER

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Grayson Edwards’ first collegiate goal proved to be the winner as the Bryant women’s soccer team kicked off its 2025 season with a 1-0 win over Stonehill on Sunday afternoon.

Edwards’ strike in the 30th minute would be all the scoring on Sunday as the Black and Gold opened the season with victory for the first time since 2023. 

Shannon Mejia and Selena Negron combined to make three saves to post the clean sheet. 
Game Information
Bryant 1, Stonehill 0
Records: Bryant (1-0), Stonehill (0 -2 )
Location: Easton, Mass
Coach Bigg’s comments on the win …
“I thought our team’s performance in the season opener was definitely one we can be proud of,” Coach Biggs said.
“Our energy, effort and communication were excellent throughout the game and we defended at a high level in their half and in ours. We generated some quality scoring opportunities, particularly in the first half and our goal was the result of some very good passing and running in their penalty box.”
Key Moments

  • In the 13th minute, Madison Luke had one shot on goal. Stonehill’s Allie Sougaris made a diving save, forcing a corner.
  • In the 30th minute, true freshman Grayson Edwards scored her first career goal, assisted by transfer, Nyema Prentice-White. Edwards came off the bench. Her goal led to the Bulldogs’ first win of the season.

Scoring Summary

  • 30th minute – Bryant 1, Stonehill 0, Prentice-White crossed the ball in the box, one Stonehill player tried to clear but Edwards was there and scored off the volley.

Game Notes

  • Sunday marked the Bulldogs’ first season opener and shutout win since 2023.
  • Edwards is the first true freshmen to score the game winning goal in a season opener since 2016.
  • Eight shots in the first half, 13 shots total.
  • Keeper Shannon Mejia played in the first half, making one save.
  • Selena Negron defended the net in the second half, making two saves.

 
Next Up
Bryant takes a trip to Loudonville, NY next Sunday, Aug 24 to face Siena. Kickoff will be at 4:00 p.m.
 

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Michigan State Men's Soccer Welcomes 12 Newcomers to East Lansing

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head coach Damon Rensing welcomes 12 newcomers to East Lansing for the 2025 season. The Spartans opened practice on August 5 combining with the newcomers with 16 returners from the 2024 team. “We are really excited to welcome this class to the Michigan State soccer family,” Rensing said. “On […]

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Michigan State Men's Soccer Welcomes 12 Newcomers to East Lansing

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head coach Damon Rensing welcomes 12 newcomers to East Lansing for the 2025 season. The Spartans opened practice on August 5 combining with the newcomers with 16 returners from the 2024 team.

“We are really excited to welcome this class to the Michigan State soccer family,” Rensing said. “On paper, this is one of the best classes we have had in years. The combination of quality, range of position, and quantity makes this a complete class. On the field it is a great mix of players from MLS Academies, MLSNEXT, High School All-Americans; and transfers who have had DI success. Several have been captains of their respective teams and are leaders. Off the field, they are very accomplished in the classroom and have the high character qualities we look for in a MSU soccer student-athlete.”

Eleven of the 12 newcomers played in the Spartans’ two exhibitions to start the season. Andrew Darakdjian is out for the season after tearing his ACL in the Spring. Against Butler, transfer Miles Merritt had an assist, while Kayden Hudson scored MSU’s second goal. In the road win at UIC, freshman Chim Okeke scored both Spartan goals.

Michigan State opens the regular season, hosting UCR on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m.

Spartan Freshmen

Justin Cassell | Midfielder | Rochester Hills, Mich. | Michigan Jaguars

What Rensing said…
“Justin is exceptionally quick And dynamic with the ball. He can impact the final third of the field with goals and assists. He has very good soccer instincts. On top of that Justin has a very good work rate.”

Thatcher Hogan | Forward | Peoria, Ill. | John Gaspe Soccer Academy

What Rensing said…
“Thatcher is a tireless worker who can score with either foot. He helps his teammates both when he has the ball and when he doesn’t. Thatcher excelled at both soccer and basketball in high school which speaks to his overall competitive nature.”

JEB Knox | Defender | Urbandale, Iowa | Shattuck St. Mary’s

What Rensing said
“JEB was captain of his Shattuck St. Mary’s Team and is a very good leader. He is a very well-rounded soccer player who can play several positions. Very few freshmen come into college with the ability to defend and attack as well as JEB does. He is very comfortable on the ball with either foot.”

Kayden Hudson | Forward | Peoria, Ill. | Central Illinois United

What Rensing said…
“Kayden was one of the most accomplished high school players in the country. The combination of his pace, athleticism and knack for scoring goals make him an ideal attacking player.”

Jackson Lusky | Defender | Milford, Mich. | Michigan Jaguars/Minnesota United

What Rensing said…
“Jackson has all the qualities to be a very good center back in college. He has the size and athleticism combined with a good left foot. He is comfortable both on the ball and making decisions in the build.” 

Charlie Norkett | Defender | Naperville, Ill. | Chicago Fire Academy

What Rensing said…
“Standing at 6-4, Charlie is the prototypical Big Ten center back. He is exceptional with the ball at his feet with a very good range of pass. He understands the game well and is also a good communicator.”

Chim Okeke| Forward | Laval, Quebec | CS Rivière-des-Prairies

What Rensing said…
“Chim is a dangerous attacking forward, who can play as the nine or wide. He has exceptional pace and can stretch defenses and has a knack for finishing inside the 18. On top of that, he is a great kid and is very respectful. He really fits our core vaules.”  

Peter Soudan | Midfielder | Western Springs, Ill. | Chicago Fire Academy

What Rensing said…
“Peter is coming off a very good summer with Chicago Fire 2. He is a player with a high soccer IQ and very good instincts in the final 1/3. He is technical and can play just about any position in the attacking half.”  

Luke Spadafora | Midfielder | Northville, Mich. | Austin FC/Michigan Wolves

What Rensing said…
“Luke enrolled early with us in January and had a very bright spring season. Luke has all the tools you look for in a central midfielder. He has very technical ability, vision and understanding of the game. On top of that he has very good leadership skills. Luke can be one of the best freshmen not only in the Big Ten but also in the country as well.”

Spartan Transfers

Miles Merritt | Midfielder | Albuquerque, N.M. | Incarnate Word

What Rensing said…
“Miles enrolled in January after two successful years at Incarnate word. He had a very good spring settling in the center of the park. He is very clean on the ball and has a very good range of pass. He is quick and does a nice job of breaking up plays in the midfield. We look for miles to impact the Big Ten immediately.”

Andrew Darakdjian | Forward | Commerce Township, Mich. | Oakland

What Rensing said…
“Andrew enrolled in January as well after two successful years at Oakland University. He scored a couple of good goals this spring, but unfortunately underwent ACL surgery in May. We are excited to have Andrew for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons.”

David Anderson | Goalkeeper | Fort Wayne, Ind. | St. John’s

What Rensing said…
“We are excited to add depth in the goalkeeper position for both this year and beyond. David comes back to the Midwest after a redshirt year at St. John’s. David has good size and athleticism and has a very good upside. He has been great to get know as a person and is a great teammate.”

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College Sports

Skyhawks Shut Out by Bryant in Home Opener

Next Game: at New Hampshire 8/21/2025 | 6:00 PM Aug. 21 (Thu) / 6:00 PM at New Hampshire History EASTON, Mass. (August 17, 2025) – The Stonehill College women’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to non-conference opponent Bryant University on Sunday afternoon. With the result, the Skyhawks move to 0-2 on the season, while the Bulldogs […]

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Skyhawks Shut Out by Bryant in Home Opener


New Hampshire

Next Game:
at New Hampshire
8/21/2025 | 6:00 PM

Aug. 21 (Thu) / 6:00 PM

at New Hampshire

History

EASTON, Mass. (August 17, 2025) – The Stonehill College women’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to non-conference opponent Bryant University on Sunday afternoon. With the result, the Skyhawks move to 0-2 on the season, while the Bulldogs opened their 2025 campaign at 1-0.

Highlights

  • Juniors Emma Cranston and Grace Fitzgerald, along with sophomore Erin Foley, recorded the Skyhawks’ three shots on goal.
  • Sophomore goalkeeper Allie Sougaris matched her season high with five saves on the afternoon.
  • Junior Shannon Mejia and senior Selena Negron split time in goal for Bryant, combining for three saves in the victory.
  • First-year forward Grayson Edwards tallied her first career goal, assisted by sophomore Nyema Prentice-Whyte.
  • Sophomore Caitlin Forshay led all players with a game-high three shots on goal for the Bulldogs.

How it Happened
Throughout the opening minutes of the non-conference matchup, both sides traded early opportunities, as Forshay and Foley each tested the opposing goalkeeper within the first 10 minutes of play.

At the 15:17 mark, Bryant earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box following a foul. Senior Madison Luke stepped up to take the attempt, threading a low shot through the Skyhawk wall. However, Sougaris responded with an outstanding full-extension diving save to keep the game scoreless.

Eight minutes later, after shot attempts from first-year Dani Lomuscio and junior Kayla Cassidy were turned away by the Bulldogs’ defense, Bryant capitalized on a fortuitous bounce. At 30:37, an errant deflection in front of the Stonehill net fell to Edwards, who buried her first collegiate goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 first-half lead.

The Skyhawks pressed to equalize coming out of halftime, generating chances from sophomore Martha Lord and junior Casey Rice, though both efforts sailed wide of the net.

Despite a strong push in the closing minutes that saw quality scoring chances from Cranston and Fitzgerald, Stonehill was unable to break through as Bryant held firm defensively to secure the 1-0 shutout victory in its season opener.

Up Next
Stonehill (0-2-0, 0-0-0 NEC) returns to action on Thursday, August 21, when it travels to Durham, New Hampshire, to face the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
 

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