Emerson topples Raiders, 13-7

(Boston, MA) The Rivier University Women's Lacrosse team was unable to keep up with the explosive Emerson College offense as they dropped a Great Northeast Athletic Conference contest tonight, 13-7 at Emerson's Rotch Field in Boston, Mass.

Playing in their fifth game in the past eight days, the Raiders held their own in the first half as the score was 8-5 when the horn sounded. The grueling schedule showed its toughness as the Raiders were sluggish in the final 30 minutes and was outscored 5-2.

Junior Jessica Amaral (East Providence, RI) helped the Raiders in the first half as she netted both her goals and an assist. Classmate Rebecca Wickens (Tyngsboro,MA) got Rivier on the board first as she took a pass from Amaral and ripped it past the Emerson goalkeeper. That would be the only lead the Raiders were able to have on the night as the Lions' Chelsea Phillips provided too much fire power.

Wickens finished the game with two tallies and GNAC Rookie of the Week, freshman Elean Reilly (Braintree, MA) also registered two goals on four shots. Junior Vanessa Viola (Nashua, NH) added the other tally for Rivier.

Freshman Danielle Moran (San Diego, CA) made 11 saves in goal for the Raiders who now sit at 6-5 on the season and 3-4 in the conference.

Rivier will finish the 2013 season with three home games, beginning with a GNAC matchup with Norwich University on Saturday morning. It will be Senior Day for the Raiders as they will celebrate the careers of seniors Caleigh Bertolaccini (Chelmsford, MA), Lauren Brett (Otisfield, ME), Georgia Steese (Wilmont, NH) and Janelle Nestor (Salem, NH).