Sofia Cebrero had three goals for the Rivier on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

DUDLEY, Mass. – The Rivier women’s lacrosse team fell narrowly, 8-7, to non-conference opponent Nichols Wednesday evening at Vendetti Field.

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 0-2, while the Bison earn their first win of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle featuring five goals and two ties. Rivier struck first just 1:42 into the game when first-year Kaycie Hudon assisted junior Sofia Cebrero for a 1-0 lead. Nichols responded at the 11:42 mark, followed quickly by an Emma Patton goal to give the Bison a 2-1 edge. Cebrero tied the game again off a feed from sophomore Ashlynn Ledoux with 4:11 remaining, but Nichols reclaimed the lead with just 23 seconds left, ending the opening frame up 3-2.

First-year Hayleigh Young got things started in the second quarter, capitalizing on a women-up free position shot, leveling the contest 3-3. The Bison recorded three more goals in the second half of the frame, taking a 6-3 advantage into the break.

Cebrero secured her hat-trick with a bouncing shot at the 9:39 mark of the third quarter, cutting the deficit to two. First-year Chloe Waldron then capitalized on a turnover to net her first career goal off an assist from Cebrero, bringing the Raiders within one. 49 seconds later, first-year Olivia Wheeler drew a foul and converted a free position attempt for her first collegiate goal, tying the game at 6-6. Despite Macy Abrams briefly regained the lead for Nichols with 2:42 remaining, Wheeler struck again with 32 seconds left in the frame to tie the contest for the fifth time.

The Bison scored the lone goal in the fourth quarter with Gabriella Mandirola securing the victory at the 8:48 mark. Rivier had a late chance to tied it once again on a free position attempt but were denied a comeback bid.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Cebrero led the Raiders with four points (3-1-4)…Hudon recorded a team-high five ground balls in the outing…Young took control on the draw for Rivier, recording a team-high four draw controls…Junior Madelyn Poulton led the team with five caused turnovers, followed by senior Bailey Carroll with four.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to the field Saturday, Mar. 7 for their Great Northeast Athletic Conference opener with Dean. The opening draw is scheduled for noon at Grant Field.