Women's Soccer: Smith makes 11 saves in loss to JWU

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Women's Soccer team fell this afternoon to visiting Johnson & Wales University, 5-0 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action at Raider Field. The loss moves the Raiders overall record to 3-11 with a 2-10 mark against the conference while the Wildcats finish their regular season with an overall record of 13-6-1 and a 10-2-0 mark in the GNAC.

JWU got on the board in the 34th minute of play as freshman Victoria Patriarca (Burrillville, R.I.) was able to sneak a shot off a loose ball in front of the net just under the crossbar for the 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, sophomore Olivia Cairrao (Bristol, R.I.) riffled a shot from about 25 yards away off a broken corner play for her 12th goal of the year and a 2-0 Wildcat lead.

JWU added to their lead in the second half with three tallies in the final 16 minutes. Senior Deja Hursey (Columbia, Md.) connected on a pass from Patriarca in the 74th minute and Cairrao netted her 2nd goal of the game in the 89th minute. With time expiring, JWU freshman Jordan Restivo (Utica, N.Y.) sent a shot that bounced off the crossbar and spun backwards into the side of the net as the horn sounded. It was Restivo's 10th goal of the season and sealed the 5-0 victory for Johnson & Wales University.

Rivier junior goalkeeper Kasey Smith (Hopkinton, N.H.) made 11 saves on the afternoon including a couple point-blank saves while Wildcat junior keeper Colleen Lynch (New Milford, Conn.) recorded the clean sheet stopping the only shot she faced on net.

Rivier will conclude their 2018 campaign on Wednesday evening as they host Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at 6pm. JWU will enjoy a week of rest as they prepare for the upcoming GNAC Tournament next Saturday.