BOSTON, MA (October 31, 2023) – Graduate forward Kaylee Haynes and sophomore midfielder Sophia Roberts struck fear into the Rhode Island College defense this Halloween evening from a chilly James Cotter Field, as the tandem each scored to propel the Beacons into the next round of the Little East Conference post-season tournament.

The Beacons outshot the Anchorwomen 16-12 overall, as the Beacons put seven of their efforts on target versus the Anchorwomen's five shots on net. Junior keeper Isabella O'Connell recorded an 80% save percentage stopping all but the Anchorwomen's penalty on the night, just short of a clean sheet stopping four of the five Anchorwomen attempts. The Beacons held the offensive edge tonight earning eight corner kick opportunities to the Anchorwomen's three. Haynes led the way for UMASS Boston offensively with a team-high five shots, a goal, and an assist for her squad in the victory.

The initial pace of the game was slow, as both teams tried to figure each other out tactically. Scoring would initiate 26 minutes into the first half, from senior defensive back Caileigh Sullivan's free kick just inside the Beacon's offensive half. Her Hail Mary attempt was put on target against Rhode Island College's keeper Chloe Angelone, as she deflected the original attempt directly into a cutting Haynes who slotted the rebound into the net to surprise the Anchorwomen on their heels to take the lead 1-0 going into the second half.

With time winding down just under halfway into the second half the Beacons were locked in defensively as the Anchorwomen were growing with desperation. Anchorwomen's junior forward Tayla Salome would break free all alone through a gap in the Beacon's defensive line, as she took her solo transitional effort to the 18-yard box before being tripped up to draw a late penalty for the Anchorwomen. Junior midfielder Marissa Ruzzano would give the Anchorwomen a late equalizer with under 15 minutes to go.

The fear of extra time was starting to creep in for spectators, as it appeared neither team would be able to break the draw through 90 minutes. Until the 80^th minute when a Haynes possession deep in the Beacon's offensive third. With time winding down, Haynes made a slick move on the right wing to blow passed her defender and rifled in a perfectly placed cross to the feet of Roberts who took one touch to finish the game-winning opportunity as she sprinted to the corner to celebrate with her squad.

With the win tonight, the Beacons improved to 7-4-9 overall, 3-1-4 in LEC play, as they move onto the semifinals of the LEC postseason tournament next Thursday at 7:00 pm, as they hit the road against the number one seeded University of Southern Maine, from Hannaford Field in Gorham ME. Live stats and video coverage will be available at UMass Boston - Official Athletics Website (beaconsathletics.com).