## Dowiak’s Double Propels No. 18 UMass Lowell to Nail-Biting Victory Over Notre Dame
**Lowell, MA** – The No. 18 UMass Lowell River Hawks survived a white-knuckle battle on Saturday night, escaping with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the visiting Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game, a test of wills that saw momentum swing wildly, was ultimately decided by the offensive prowess of senior forward Matt Dowiak, whose two-goal performance proved to be the difference in a contest that was far closer than the final score might indicate.
The River Hawks came out firing on all cylinders in the first period, establishing early pressure and dictating the pace of play. They capitalized quickly, with senior defenseman, Owen Cole, burying a perfectly placed wrist shot from the point just three minutes into the game. The momentum continued as Dowiak notched his first goal of the night midway through the period, deftly deflecting a shot from the point past the outstretched glove of Notre Dame goaltender, Ryan Bischel. The period ended with Lowell holding a comfortable 2-0 lead and seemingly in control.
However, Notre Dame, a team known for its resilience, refused to roll over. The Fighting Irish came out with a renewed sense of purpose in the second, slowly chipping away at the River Hawks’ lead. A power-play goal by junior forward, Landon Slaggert, ignited the Irish’s comeback, followed shortly by an even-strength goal from freshman sensation, Hunter Strand. Suddenly, the game was tied at 2-2, and the atmosphere in the Tsongas Center was electric, the roar of the crowd echoing with each possession.
UMass Lowell, however, showed grit and determination, refusing to let the lead slip away completely. Junior forward, Filip Forseck, gave the River Hawks the lead back, capitalizing on a defensive breakdown by Notre Dame to score a crucial goal late in the second. The period ended with Lowell clinging to a precarious 3-2 advantage, setting the stage for a tense final frame.
The third period was a test of nerves for both teams and their respective fanbases. Notre Dame continued to press, desperate for an equalizer, while UMass Lowell looked to extend their lead and seal the victory. The decisive moment arrived with just under eight minutes remaining, as Dowiak struck again. Found with space in the slot, he ripped a one-timer past Bischel, extending the River Hawks’ lead to 4-2, and injecting a much-needed dose of confidence back into the home team.
Notre Dame managed to pull within a goal late in the period, when a scramble in front of the net led to a goal with the Irish netminder pulled for the extra attacker. However, the River Hawks, led by some clutch saves from goaltender Henry Welsch, kept the Irish at bay. Sophomore forward, Nick Austin, sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
While Dowiak’s two goals were undoubtedly the highlight of the night, the victory was a testament to the team’s overall resilience and their ability to withstand Notre Dame’s relentless pressure. Coach Norm Bazin praised his team’s composure after the game, stating, “Notre Dame is a well-coached and talented team. They made us earn every inch tonight. I’m proud of how our guys battled back and found a way to win, especially Matt [Dowiak], he was great tonight.”
The victory improves UMass Lowell’s record to, and provides a much-needed boost as they continue their climb in the rankings. The River Hawks will look to build on this momentum as they face next weekend. They will undoubtedly need to replicate the gritty performance demonstrated tonight, as they look to continue the
ir winning ways.
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