USJ Spoils Women’s Lacrosse Home Opener

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's lacrosse team had its home and Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) openers spoiled by Saint Joseph (Conn.) on Sunday evening at Merrill Field, losing by a final score of 16-8.

The Raiders fell to 1-1 (0-1 GNAC) while the Blue Jays improved to 2-0 (1-0 GNAC).

Saint Joseph got out to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first quarter as Regan Buscetto scored three goals to help the visitors take the advantage after 15 minutes.

The Blue Jays increased their lead to seven by halftime as Maya Tomko tallied two of Saint Joseph's five goals in the frame to lead 10-3 at the break.

Rivier would go on to rally for a four-goal third quarter as Sofia Cebrero, Ashley Wilder, Caitlin Newell, and Chiara Skeels all scored to make it 13-7 heading into the final period.

In the fourth, USJ pulled away to take a commanding eight-goal lead with 3:22 left which would remain until the final buzzer.

Cebrero led the way with five points. Both Skeels and Newell recorded four draw controls, while Abby Nadeau led the ground ball effort with four, and Madelyn Poulton registered a team-best three caused turnovers. In net, Lindsey Kruger made 15 saves.

Rivier will head up to Waterville to face Thomas (Me.) in a non-conference clash on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:00 p.m.