The Raiders' back line is ready and waiting as Sam Driend jumps to hit a returne during Tuesday night's match at the Muldoon Center. (Courtesy photo by NickTheodores/Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier women’s volleyball team fell in straight sets to non-conference opponents Wellesley College on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Muldoon Center.

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 2-5, while the Blue improved to 3-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Wellesley opened the match with three straight points, but was met with four straight points from Rivier

Both teams would trade opportunities for the middle half of the opening set, until the Blue broke away, rattling off seven straight points to take a 23-16 lead

The Raiders attempted a comeback late in the set, sparked by kills from sophomore Lydia Brakefield and senior Callie Nanos; however, Wellesley logged one final kill to secure the set 25-20.

The Blue continued its offensive surge, beginning the second set with four straight points. Wellesley went on an 11-3 run late in the second set to take the lead, 19-11

Despite yet another Rivier comeback bid, the Blue increased their advantage, two sets to none. The third frame was a true back-and-forth, both squads trading chances throughout.

The Raiders capitalized on some early mistakes, taking a 3-2 lead to begin the set. A kill by junior Sam Driend propelled Rivier to complete a three-point, jumping out in front 8-6.

The Raiders got out to as much as a five-point lead in the set, with sophomore Lily Seibel capping off yet another three-point run from the service line.

Wellesley evened the match at 15 following a five-point run of its own

The Blue found their stride once more, completing a 10-6 run to close out the set and secure the match, 25-23

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Senior Ali Rivera led the offense with seven kills, followed by Nanos with six kills with a .286 hitting percentage

Seibel was the team leader in assists with 18

Senior Kaitlyn Miller led the defense with 11 digs, followed by Seibel with eight

UP NEXT

The Raiders travel to Wenham, Mass., for a non-conference matchup with Gordon College. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Bennett Center on Sept. 11.

FIELD HOCKEY

FITCHBURG STATE 6, RIVIER 2

The Raiders dropped to 0-4, while the Falcons improved to 3-1. The Falcons found the back of the net twice in the first quarter and once in the second, keeping the Raiders scoreless to take a 3-0 lead into the half.

Three minutes into the third quarter, Fitchburg St. knocked in one more to extend their lead to four.

Reilly Swislosky connected with Shaelyn Burke two minutes later for the Raiders’ first goal of the game, 4-1.

The Falcons struck first in the fourth to add to their lead.

At the 54th minute, Swislosky found Brianna Spinelli to make it 5-2.

The Falcons tacked on a final goal in the closing minute to seal the contest, 6-2

The Falcons held the slight edge on shots, 19-15 while Rivier owned an 8-3 advantage in penalty corner opportunities.

Swislosky paced the Raiders offense, recording three shots on goal and adding two assists.

The Raiders next travel to Henniker to open conference play against New England College on Saturday, September 13th, at Don Melander Field. The game is set for 6 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

SUFFLOLK 5, RIVIER 0

The Rivier women’s soccer team in a non-conference matchup on September 9th at East Boston Memorial Park.With the result, the Raiders fell to 1-3-1, while the Rams improved to 3-0-1.

The Rams controlled the pace of play for the majority of the match, finding the back of the net twice to take a 2-0 lead into the second half.

Suffolk kept up the scoring, knocking in three more over the final 45 minutes while keeping the Raiders scoreless.

Suffolk slightly outshot Rivier, 16-11.Both teams had two corner kick opportunities, all coming in the second half.

Olivia Rosario and Bri Nugent both saw time in tonight’s match; Nugent recorded two saves.

The Raiders return home to Joanne Merrill Field to face conference opponent Mitchell College; kick-off is set for noon.