Bianca Casna had a goal for Rivier in the Raiders' 2-2 tie with Western Conn. State on Tuesday at Merrill Field. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier women’s soccer team battled back from down two goals to secure a 2-2 draw Tuesday, and the squad’s first point of the 2025 campaign at Joanne Merrill Field against non-conference opponent Western Connecticut State University.

With the result, the Raiders moved to 0-2-1, and the Wolves moved to 0-1-1 on the year.

The Wolves opened the scoring at the 13th-minute mark, then extended the lead to 2-0 just before the end of the first half.

First-year Bianca Casna put the Raiders on the board in the 50th minute after finding the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career. Sophomore Leah Morrier connected with Casna outside the six-yard box to cut the Wolves’ lead in half

In the 77th minute, current Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Week, Bailey Gatchell, connected with Samantha Franks, who slotted it home for the equalizer.

The Raiders maintained relentless pressure in the second half, outshooting the Wolves 11-2 in their push to complete the comeback.

BOXSCORE BREAKDOWN

Rivier and WestConn each recorded eight corner kick opportunities.

Senior goalkeeper, Bri Nugent, played all 90 minutes in her season debut, collecting eight saves.

Rivier held the slight edge in shots, outshooting West Conn 18-15.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to Joanne Merrill Field on Saturday at 11 a.m. for their GNAC opener against the Regis (Mass.) Pride.