Raiders Thump Bluejays 19 – 8

Nashua, NH, Raider Field – The Rivier University Raiders (5 – 2, 3 – 0 GNAC) beat the University of Saint Joseph Bluejays (1 – 4, 1 – 2 GNAC) 19 – 8 today in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference matchup.  Rivier marched out to an 8 – 3 lead over the first 25 minutes of the game.  The Raiders wrapped up the first half with five more goals to take a 13 – 4 lead into halftime.  Rivier pulled back the reins in the second half and closed out the game with 6 more strikes to finish with the 19 – 8 win. 

The Raiders attack was led by Rebecca Wickens (Senior - Tyngsboro, MA) 5 goals, 5 ground balls; Paxton LaRocque (Sophomore - Londonderry, NH) 4 goals, 2 assists, 5 ground balls; and Jessica Amaral (Senior - E. Providence, RI) 3 goals, 2 assists, 6 ground balls.  Also contributing were Vanessa Viola (Senior - Nashua, NH) 2 goals, 1 assist, 6 ground balls; Savannah Neuwirt (Junior - Newbury, NH) 2 goals, 2 assists, 2 ground balls; and Amanda Wickens (Freshman - Tyngsboro, MA) 1 goal, 3 assists, 5 ground balls.  In goal Danielle Moran (Sophomore - San Diego, CA) recorded 8 saves to backstop Rivier for the win. 

The visiting Bluejays were led by Rachel Foster (Junior – Newington, CT) 6 goals, 2 ground balls and Erika Leitao (Senior – Southington, CT) 2 goals, 1 ground ball.  Annie Pitoniak (Senior – West Haven, CT) was in goal recording 5 saves.

Rivier returns to action on April 1^st at home against Emmanuel College in another GNAC Conference game at 7:00 pm.  The University of Saint Joseph also plays another GNAC Conference game, hosting Lasell College on April 1^st at 4:00 pm.