Rivier Comes Up Just Short Versus NEC, Loses 18 - 17 in Overtime

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Rivier University Raiders came up just short on the road, falling to the host New England College Pilgrims women's lacrosse team 18-17 in overtime Friday afternoon.  With the win the Pilgrims improve to 4-8 on the season, while the loss evens the Raider record at 6-6.

NEC would jump out to the early 2-0 lead as Eleni Hatisis (Norwak, Conn.) and Elizabeth Bois (Westbrook, Maine) would net back-to-back goals in the opening two minutes of play. Rivier would get the two goals back as Rebecca Wickens (Senior - Tyngsboro, MA) and Amanda Wickens (Freshman - Tyngsboro, MA) would each score knotting the game at 2-2 with just under 25 minutes remaining in the half.

The two teams would continue to battle back-and-forth as the Pilgrims took a two goal lead 7-5 but the Raiders would answer as Hannah Wyatt (Senior - Merrimack, NH) came through with a goal followed by a late score by Savannah Neuwirt (Junior - Newbury, NH) tying the game at 7-7 heading into the intermission.

The teams would continue to battle throughout the second half of play, including six ties but no lead changes as the Pilgrims would never trail. The Pilgrims would lead by one with 4:32 remaining in regulation but Rivier would get a score from Rebecca Wickens at the 3:37 mark tying the game at 14-14 and eventually forcing overtime.

NEC would record the first four goals in overtime, including two by Gabriella Bigos (Branford, Conn.), building an 18-14 lead. Rivier would not back down as the Raiders would make a late charge scoring three goals, including two by Amanda Wickens, but would fall just short as time expired.

Leading the way for NEC was Gabriella Bigos who finished with four goals and impressive 16 draw controls. NEC's Allison Granata scored five goals, while Emily Bamberger chipped in three scores and dished out an assist.

Leading the way for Rivier was Amanda Wickens who led all scorers with six goals and Hannah Wyatt and Rebecca Wickens who each scored three goals and had an assist.

Picking up the win in net for NEC was Mackenzie Meegan (Phoenix, Ariz.) who finished with 17 saves. In net for Rivier was Danielle Moran (Sophomore - San Diego, CA) who posted 10 saves.

Rivier will hit the field again on Sunday, April 13 when they host GNAC conference foe St. Joseph's College (ME) at 1:00 pm.   NEC returns to action on Saturday, April 12 when they travel to battle conference opponent Husson University.