Field Hockey falls to JWU on late Penalty Stroke in Final Minute

(Nashua, NH) The Rivier University Field Hockey team lost a tough 1-0 game this evening to visiting Johnson and Wales University at Raider Field. The game was decided in the final minute when the Wildcats were able to capitalize on a Penalty Stroke with 29 seconds left.

The loss drops the Raiders overall record to 4-10 while JWU improves to 4-9 in 2013.

The Wildcats received the opportunity for the penalty stroke when Rivier junior goalkeeper Makenzie Flagg (Shirley, MA) stopped a shot from JWU's Bethany Barrar and subsequently fell on top of the ball to prevent a rebound scoring chance. The balance of the game was left to Cassandra McClaflin of the Wildcats who's Penalty Stroke went low left side and past the leg pad for the game's only goal.

Rivier had an opportunity earlier when JWU's Jaclyn Lyons was in the same situation and fell on top of the ball. However Lyons was able to block the Penalty Stroke to keep the game scoreless.

Flagg finished the game with six saves and Lyons recorded seven saves over the 70 minute game. JWU outshot the Raiders 12-10 but Rivier held the advantage in penalty corners, 8-3.

Next up for the Raiders will be New England College in a North Atlantic Conference contest at Raider Field on Tuesday night (7pm). Johnson and Wales will host Colby-Sawyer College in a non-conference contest on Sunday afternoon (1pm).