Penalty Kicks Help Women’s Soccer to 3-1 Win Over Monks on Team Impact Day

NASHUA, N.H. - The Rivier women's soccer team picked up its sixth Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) win of the season at home on Team Impact Day as the Raiders took down the Monks of St. Joseph's of Maine by a final of 3-1 at Merrill Field on Saturday afternoon. The Raiders now sit at 7-2-2 (6-1-1 GNAC) on the season, tying the third-most GNAC wins in a season in program history. 

The Raiders celebrated Team Impact teammate Serafina Nicastro and her family with some opening remarks, expressing their joy to have as a part of the women's soccer and Rivier University family. 

Elisabeth Jacob was tripped in the box by the Monks (3-5-2, 3-3-2 GNAC), earning Jordan Butters the opportunity to take a penalty kick, where she capitalized to put the Raiders up 1-0 just under nine minutes into the first half. 

14:12 into the first half, Olivia Maxwell tapped in her first goal of the season with an assist from Kaylee Magoon to double the host team's lead. 

In the 51st minute, Eliese Perron of SJC beat the Raiders' defense and goalkeeper to nudge in a goal and cut the Monks' deficit to just one goal. 

Late in the second half, Jacob caused another foul in the box, earning her second penalty kick of the game. Butters once again was true from the spot, giving the home side a two-goal lead, which would be held until the final whistle. 

Rivier took twice as many shots on goal as SJC, 14-7 as Raiders' keeper Bri Nugent posted three saves as she collected the victory. 

The Raiders will hit the road for their next contest, as they are set to take on Anna Maria in Paxton, Mass. on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in another GNAC matchup.