Field Hockey: Late goals down Raiders at Elms, 2-1

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

CHICOPEE, MASS. – A pair of late fourth quarter goals sealed the fate of the Rivier University Field Hockey team this evening as they lost a non-conference contest at Elms College, 2-1. The loss moves the Raiders to 3-4 on the season while the Blazers improve to 3-6.

Both teams battled hard in the first half with the Raiders defense providing much of the work as they fended off the Elms attack. The Blazers held the advantage in shots (8-2) and penalty corners (7-1) through the first 30 minutes of action however the game remained scoreless.

As play started in the second half, the Raiders claimed the lead when freshman Carissa Letendre (Whitinsville, Mass.) netted an unassisted tally at 30:18. It was Letendre's 4th goal of the year and it gave the Raiders a 1-0 lead, their fifth consecutive game scoring the first goal.

Elms would eventually tie the game late in the fourth quarter when Carissa Ramirez knocked home a goal at 55:51. Minutes later, Olivia Keene notched her own unassisted goal at 57:10 which provided to be the game winner.

Sophomore goalkeeper Katie Olsen (Saugus, Mass.) made eight saves on the night for Rivier while Elms' Nora Newman stopped five of the six shots she faced on net.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Raiders as they return to action on Thursday night as they host future Great Northeast Athletic Conference member, Dean College to Joanne Merrill Field. Game time is set for 7pm.