The Raiders managed to get a home game in vs. Colby-Sawyer last April in a COVID-restricted abbreviated season. (Photo courtesy of Rivier University)

NASHUA – Their 2021 season barely existed.

That’s why the Rivier University women’s lacrosse team has to be excited about the 2022 campaign which begins today on campus at Joanne Merrill Field vs. Fitchburg State at 4 p.m.

The Raiders had just three games last spring, due to the pandemic, all three lopsided losses as coach Maura Ellins had a lot, like all college coaches, to deal with, including limited player availability.

The Raiders have a full, healthy roster heading into the season, with several locals: Senior defender Madison Abreu (Nashua North), senior midfielder Tara Saliany (Nashua South), sophomore middie-attack Ashley Wilder of Milford, sophomore midfielder Caitlin Newell (Litchfield/Campbell), junior defender Hayli Ruiter (Hudson/Alvirne), and freshman defender Rose Daddario (Hudson/Bishop Guertin).

Saliany, Newell, was one of the Raider goal scorers from a year ago, as were Nicole Mansfield and returning senior defender Breana Abilheira-Cargill of

Cumberland, R.I.

There are two other seniors on the Raider roster, middie/defender Lia Yohanan of Andover,N.J.and West Lebanon defender Josie Hastings.

The Raiders have a full schedule, 16 games, which is a ton better than the three-game mini-season of a year ago. After today, they’ll host Thomas College (Me.) in another non-conference game next Thursday at 2 p.m.