NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's lacrosse team earned a commanding 9-4 victory over Fitchburg State in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon at Joanne Merrill Field.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 2-4 on the season, while the Falcons dropped to 2-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Rivier jumped out fast with goals from sophomore Keegan McGaheran and junior Sofia Cebrero to take a 2-0 lead in the opening minutes.
• After Fitchburg State cut it to 2-1, the Raiders responded with three straight goals, including two from Cebrero and one from first-year Olivia Wheeler, to lead 5-2 after the first quarter.
• The Falcons opened the second quarter scoring to make it 5-3, but Wheeler answered to keep Rivier in control with a 6-3 halftime advantage.
• Sophomore Ashlynn Ledoux took over in the third quarter, scoring twice to extend the lead to 8-4 as the Raiders continued to dominate possession.
• Rivier's defense locked in during the fourth, and Wheeler capped off the win with a free-position goal to complete her hat trick and seal the 9-4 victory.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• Cebrero and Wheeler led the offense with three goals each, combining for six of Rivier's nine goals.
• Ledoux added two goals, while McGaheran contributed a goal, her first of the season, an assist, and a team-high five ground balls.
• Rivier controlled the pace with a 28-19 shot advantage and held a 19-14 edge in ground balls.
• The Raiders were efficient on clears (16-for-21) and limited Fitchburg State to just two goals over the final three quarters.
• First-year Arrianna Imbriano made eight saves in goal to earn the win.

UP NEXT

The Raiders head to Grant Field to take on the Lasers of Lasell University on Saturday. Opening draw is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.