LaRocque lifts Women's Soccer to victory in 2OT

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Women' Soccer team went into double overtime this evening with visiting Mount Ida College as they earned their first conference victory, 2-1 over the Mustangs in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action. The Raiders even their overall record to 6-6 and are now 1-5-0 in the GNAC. Mount Ida falls to 3-8-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference play with the loss.

Rivier had a lot of chances early as sophomore Maggie Cohoon (Derry, N.H.) and junior Paxton LaRocque (Londonderry, N.H.) were able to take quality shots inside the 18 yard box. Cohoon would convert her second breakaway opportunity in the 9th minute as she raced down the left side of the Mount Ida goalkeeper and placed in the back of the net for her team leading 13th goal.

The teams would battle back-and-forth while exchanging goal scoring opportunities but when the halftime horn sounded, it was still 1-0 in favor of the home squad.

Mount Ida would find the equalizer in the 58th minute as sophomore Hannah Brackett (Vooreesville, N.Y.) collected a loose rebound from an Isabelle Moody (Naugatuck, Conn.) shot and rip a shot to knot the game at one apiece.

Rivier would have a couple of golden chances late in the second half to take the lead but Mount Ida freshman goalkeeper Mia Desroches (Enfield, Conn.) was able to make some terrific saves to send the game into extra time.

It was in the second overtime period that LaRocque was able to gather a pass from sophomore Meghan Caron (Tyngsboro, Mass.) and dribble it inside the 18 before lifting the game winning shot over the outstretched Desroches to end the night and give Rivier a thrilling 2-1 victory with 4:48 remaining.

Rivier freshman goalkeeper Lauren Goodspeed (Merrimack, N.H.) made 13 saves on the evening while Desroches stopped 8.

The unsung heroes from tonight's match were freshman Lydia Brown (Brookline, N.H.) for Rivier and Moody for Mount Ida. Brown was outstanding along the defensive back line as she thwarted several Mustang attacks over the 105+ minutes of action. Moody was just as electric as she was able to rip off 14 shots – 7 of which went on net – despite the presence of the 5-3 Brown.

Both teams will be back in GNAC action on Saturday afternoon. Rivier will welcome the Suffolk University Rams to Raider Field for a 1pm kickoff while Mount Ida will host University of Saint Joseph at Noon.