Aug. 25, 2002

HUNTINGTON, Mass. - Junior Erin Lilly's (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) fourth goal of the preseason in the 62nd minute was the eventual game-winner as the University of Massachusetts women's soccer team defeated Holy Cross, 2-1, this evening at Booster Field.

Freshman Lindsey Bellini (Webster, N.Y.) got the Minutewomen on the board with a goal at the 34:16 mark of the first half. Freshman Amy Maffucci (Pittsford, N.Y.) had the assist.

In the second half, Lilly gave Massachusetts the 2-0 edge when she blasted a shot past Mary Dennehy, the Holy Cross keeper in the 62nd minute. Bellini and senior Alexi Rudd (Orinda, Calif.) picked up assists on Lilly's fourth goal in the two preseason games.

Lilly's goal proved to be crucial as Kaitlin Hansen cut the lead in half less less than eight minutes later.

Freshman Kristen Rutland (Fayetteville, Ga.) made six saves, including two big ones late in the second half, to preserve the win.

"This was a good evening for us as well as the town of Huntington and Western Massachusetts," said UMass Head Coach Jim Rudy. "We got just what we wanted to out of these two exhibition games and are relatively healthy. We are as ready as we can be for the regular season."

Massachusetts will travel to Boston College for a 12:00 p.m. match on Friday, Aug. 30, to open up the regular season.

Scoring: First Half - UM, Lindsey Bellini 1 (Amy Maffucci) 34:16. Second Half - UM, Erin Lilly 4 (Alexi Rudd, Bellini) 62:21; HC, Kaitlin Hansen 1 (unassisted) 70:09.

Saves: Holy Cross - Christine Arsenault 1 (45:00), Mary Dennehy 3 (45:00); Massachusetts - Kristen Rutland 6 (90:00).

Corner Kicks: Holy Cross - 1 (0-1); Massachusetts - 1 (0-1).

Attendance: 379.