Rivier outlasts Falcons Wednesday in first matchup this season

NASHUA, N.H. – The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team dropped a 9-4 decision to Rivier on Wednesday evening in non-conference action.

The Basics

Final Score, Fitchburg 4, Rivier 9

Records: River (3-4), Fitchburg (2-2)

How it Happened

The Falcons struggled early as Rivier opened the game with a strong first quarter, jumping out to a 5-2 lead. Despite late goals from Noelle Kennedy (West Roxbury, MA) and Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, MA) to close the opening frame, Fitchburg State was unable to recover from the early deficit as Rivier controlled the pace throughout.

Fitchburg State saw four different players find the back of the net, with Kennedy, Chiacchia, Kiley McFadden (Tewksbury, MA), and Nola Patty (Ashburnham, MA) each scoring once. McFadden added a man-down goal in the second quarter, while Patty converted in the third. Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, MA) and Mykaela Correia (Dracut, MA) each recorded assists for the Falcons. In net, Caitlin Persson (Worcester, MA) made eight saves in the second half, providing a strong effort in relief, while Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, VT) added three saves in the opening half.

As a team, Fitchburg State was outshot 28-19 and committed 25 turnovers, which limited offensive opportunities and allowed Rivier to maintain possession for extended stretches. The Falcons also trailed in ground balls (19-14), further highlighting Rivier's control of the game. Although Fitchburg held an edge in draw controls (10-7), they were unable to capitalize consistently on those possessions.

By the Numbers:

• Fitchburg State controlled the draw circle, finishing with a 10-7 edge.

• The Falcons went 1-for-5 on free-position attempts.

• Four different players scored for Fitchburg State: Noelle Kennedy, Nevaeh Chiacchia, Kiley McFadden, and Nola Patty.

• Caitlin Persson recorded a team-high eight saves in goal for the Falcons.

• Kiley McFadden scored Fitchburg State's lone man-down goal of the game.

Up Next

Women's Lacrosse returns home tomorrow, March 19th to host Suffolk at 5 PM at Eliot Field. 

Stay Connected

For the latest on Fitchburg State University Athletics, follow the Falcons via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.