NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's lacrosse team was narrowly defeated, 6-5, by Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent Emmanuel (Mass.) Wednesday evening at Joanne Merrill Field.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 1-3 (1-1 GNAC), while the Saints improved to 3-2 (2-0 GNAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

• First-year Olivia Wheeler found the back of the net just 2:20 into the opening frame to get things started. Emmanuel (Mass.) answered almost immediately as Medeline Wright won the draw and found Ella Stein to level the contest at one. First-year Hayleigh Young capitalized on a free position attempt to regain the lead, 2-1. Once again, the Saints tied up the game, this time with Wright finishing on the women-up opportunity.
• Emmanuel (Mass.) took its first lead of the match just past the midway point of the second quarter. With one second remaining in the half, juniors Sofia Cebrero and Shaelyn Burke worked together to tie the game, 3-3, heading into halftime.
• The Saints began the second half scoring with 9:23 on the clock, converting on a free position shot to regain the lead. Rivier leveled the score 34 seconds later on yet another free-position goal by Young. Burke gave the Raiders their third lead of the game, finishing an unassisted tally.
• Emmanuel (Mass.) scored the final two goals of the game over a 7:01 stretch in the fourth quarter, completing the comeback and sealing the 6-5 win.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• First-year goalkeeper Arrianna Imbriano recorded nine saves in between the pipes.
• Junior Alysha Hok led the team with five ground balls.
• Sophomore Taylor Rioux recorded a team-high four caused turnovers.
• Young finished the game with three draw controls.

UP NEXT
The Raiders return to action Saturday, Mar. 14, for a GNAC matchup with Saint Joseph (Conn.). The opening draw is scheduled for noon at Joanne Merrill Field.