NASHUA, N.H. – Eighth-seeded Saint Joseph's College (4-10-4) fell to top-seeded Rivier University (13-4-3), 1-0, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Tournament quarterfinal at Joanne Merrill Field on Saturday afternoon.
The setback ends the Monks' season, while the Raiders advance to Tuesday's conference semifinals.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Junior goalkeeper Ashlyn Guerette (Merrimack, N.H.) made seven first-half saves to help Saint Joseph's withstand early pressure. The Monks generated opportunities of their own, including a shot on goal by senior Jordan Huntley (Stafford Springs, Conn.) in the 15th minute that Rivier keeper Olivia Rosario turned away.
The Raiders broke through at 38:49, when Maya Leach scored off a pass from Cara Churchill to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Saint Joseph's remained within striking distance throughout the second half. Guerette denied Hannah Smith and Keira Bretagne 10 seconds apart in the 64th minute, while Huntley had a shot blocked and senior Madisyn Ayres (Saco, Maine) sent an attempt high.
Freshman Paige Garlock (Scarborough, Maine) put a shot on target at 77:01, but Rosario made the save to preserve the Raiders' narrow lead. Guerette added her final stop on a Leah Morrier attempt in the 81st minute, keeping the deficit at one through the closing minutes.
TEAM STATS:
Rivier held the advantage in shots (25-7), shots on goal (11-2), and corner kicks (8-2) in the postseason contest.
THE KEEPERS:
Guerette recorded 10 saves over 90 minutes for the Monks, while Rosario made two stops to earn the shutout.
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:
Saint Joseph's is now 13-7 all-time against Rivier. The Raiders won both meetings this season, including a 3-0 decision in Standish on October 20.
