NASHUA, N.H. — The Rivier women's lacrosse team had its five-game winning streak come to an end on Tuesday evening, falling to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rival Simmons, 8-6, at Joanne Merrill Field.

With the setback, the Raiders dropped to 7-4 (6-2 GNAC) while the Sharks improved to 4-6 (3-4 GNAC).

Simmons opened the scoring early with a goal off a rebounded free position attempt to take a 1-0 lead. Rivier responded just three minutes later as senior Sarah Lachance netted the equalizer to tie the game at 1-1. The Sharks regained the lead at the 4:51 mark with a fastbreak goal, but Lachance responded with her second of the game, this time off a feed from sophomore Hannah Raab, who recorded her first collegiate point on the play as the teams ended the first quarter tied at 2-2.

The Sharks were relentless in the second quarter, scoring twice within the first six minutes and adding a third goal at the 5:58 mark. Simmons held the Raiders scoreless throughout the frame to take a 5-2 lead into the halftime break.

Out of the break, first-year Keegan McGaheran cut the deficit to two, converting a pass from senior Cassie Hemmerdinger to make it 5-3. Simmons responded less than three minutes later to restore its three-goal advantage. Rivier stayed within striking distance after first-year Ashlynn Ledoux scored her 21st goal of the season, bringing the score to 6-4 heading into the final quarter.

Simmons extended its lead early in the fourth, capitalizing on two man-up opportunities to go ahead 8-4 with 11:07 remaining. Sophomore Sofia Cebrero sparked a late push with two quick goals for the Raiders, but the comeback fell short as Simmons held on for the 8-6 win.

Cebrero led the Raiders with three points, finishing with two goals and one assist. Lachance followed with two goals and five ground balls, while Ledoux and McGaheran each added a goal. Hemmerdinger contributed two assists along with a team-high six ground balls and four caused turnovers. Sophomore Madelyn Poulton added a team-high five caused turnovers.

Senior goalkeeper Rachel Hinkley matched her career high with 12 saves in the contest.

The Raiders look to bounce back on Friday, April 8 in a GNAC clash against Saint Joseph's (Me). Opening draw from the SJC Athletics Complex is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.