Rivier's Reilly Swislosky (2), shown earlier in the season, had an assist in the Raiders' win over Framingham State on Thursday at Merrill Field. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Prudhomme/Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier field hockey team earned its second straight win on Wednesday night, defeating non-conference opponent Framingham St., 3-1, at Joanne Merrill Field. The matchup also marked the team’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night.

With the result, the Raiders improved to 4-12, while the Rams fell to 3-13.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First-year Lexi Davies opened the scoring in the ninth minute, breaking through the defense and burying a shot. The Rams responded a minute later to level the score, 1-1.

Rivier outshot Framingham 4-1 in the second frame, but couldn’t convert, keeping the score knotted going into the break.

The Raiders regained the lead in the 43rd minute as Junior Brianna Spinelli found first-year Mary Kelley across the box to make it 2-1. Spinelli extended the lead three minutes later with a goal of her own off a feed from senior Reilly Swislosky, 3-1.

Despite the Rams’ strong fourth-quarter push, goalkeeper Lily Gifford came up with two crucial saves to hold the two-goal lead.

BOXSCORE BREAKDOWN

The Raiders outshot the Rams 21-9… Rivier held an 11-1 advantage in corner opportunities…Gifford recorded five saves in the victory.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to action Saturday at Joanne Merrill Field for a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup against Elms. The team will honor seniors Swislosky and Gifford before the 12 p.m. first whistle.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

RAIDERS TOP POLL

Following a historic 2024-25 season, which included an appearance in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) championship game, the Rivier women’s ice hockey team was selected as the number one seed, alongside Worcester St., in the MASCAC Preseason Coaches Poll, which was announced Thursday.

The Raiders earned 22 points, including four first-place votes.

Rivier is just ahead of the Lancers who also earned 22 points in the poll, but with just two first place votes.

Last season, Rivier earned the No. 3 seed entering the inaugural MASCAC Tournament after posting a 10-4-1 record in conference play. The Raiders opened the postseason with a 5-1 win over Framingham St., followed by a 1-0 semifinal victory over Worcester St. Their historic run came to a close with a quadruple-overtime loss to Plymouth St. in the championship game, the second-longest contest in NCAA Division III history.

Upon conclusion of the season, forward Rebecca McKelvey was named the MASCAC Player of the Year, leading the conference with 31 points on 19 goals and 12 assists over 27 games. At the time of the announcement, the Barre, Vt., native ranked tied for 15th in the nation in points per game (1.15). McKelvey improved her previous season totals by 20 points and 12 goals, playing a key role in helping Rivier set a new program record for most goals in a single season (64). In addition to her Player of the Year selection, McKelvey was named a finalist for the Laura Hurd Award and selected as a New England Division III Women’s All-Star

Head Coach Marykate Drinkwater was recognized as the MASCAC Coach of the Year, capping off the most successful season in program history. The Raiders finished with a 15-11-1 overall record, shattering the previous mark for most wins in a single season.

Three Raiders earned spots on the MASCAC All-Conference Teams, led by McKelvey, who was named First Team All-Conference. Defender Molly Dukesherer and goaltender-turned-assistant coach Rachel Hinkley each earned Second Team All-Conference honors.

The team kicks-off its regular season with a non-conference matchup against No. 10 Nazareth on Friday, Oct. 31 at Conway Arena. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.