Women's Lacrosse hangs on for a wild 18-16 win over Norwich

(Nashua, NH) The Rivier University Women's Lacrosse team held on for a dramatic 18-16 victory over the visiting Norwich University Cadets this afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference play up on Raider Field. With the win, Rivier improves to 7-5 overall on the season and is now an even 4-4 in the conference. Norwich falls to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the GNAC.

Rivier held a two goal lead at halftime before goals from senior Laurne Brett (Otisfield, ME) and junior Rebecca Wickens (Tyngsboro, MA) gave the Raiders their biggest lead at four. However Norwich would battle back and surge ahead as they scored five unanswered goals over an eight minute span in the second half. Chandler Camlin and Grace Fitzpatrick, along with Hope Royce combined to give the Cadets their first lead of the game with 9:36 to go – a 14-13 score.

The Norwich lead lasted for 18 seconds as Riv's Wickens was able to scamper down field and tie the game with a quick wrister and knot it all up at 14 apiece. She would then score her fifth goal of the afternoon 38 seconds after her fourth to give the Raiders a lead that they would not relinquish.

The Raiders 18 goal output was led by Wickens and freshman Elena Reilly (Braintree, MA) who each had five goals. Brett finished the game with three goals and three assists while sophomore Savannah Neuwirt (Newbury, NH) added two goals of her own. Reilly was the point leader with seven as she added two assists to her five goal performance.

The Cadets were led by Fitzpatrick who had a game high seven goals on 13 shots. Camlin finished with four goals and an assist while Royce and Gina Conroy had three and two goals, respectively.

Freshman Danielle Moran (San Diego, CA) earned the win in net as she made 10 saves on the afternoon. Norwich's Rebecca Horgan received the loss after entering the game for starter Cheyenne Mata-Notel, who left with an injury.

The Raiders will return to action on Tuesday evening as they host Lasell College in another GNAC matchup. Game time is set for 7pm up at Raider Field. Norwich will also be back in GNAC action on Monday as they travel to Anna Maria College for a 6pm Patriots Day contest.