NASHUA, N.H. – Simmons soccer (1-5, 1-4 GNAC) dropped a tight Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest to Rivier University (3-3, 3-0-1 GNAC) on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
 
The Raiders tested the Sharks defense within the first four minutes of the contest with back-to-back corner kicks. But first-year goalkeeper Mikaela Marie Javar was able to hold the Rivier offense at bay.
 
Eight minutes later the Sharks were presented with their best opportunity to score, but sophomore Lauren Krupnikoff's shot off the corner was saved by Rivier goalkeeper Bri Nugent. Graduate senior Cerys Balmer ripped three shots towards the net only to have one saved by Nugent and the other two caromed off the crossbar and post. The two teams headed into the break all square at zero.
 
When the teams returned to the pitch at the start of the second half, the momentum favored the Raiders. They were able to break the scoreless contest in the 52^nd minute following a goal from Hannah Smith. But the Sharks were not going to go away quietly.
 
For the next three minutes, the Sharks defense fended off a pair of corner kicks and two shots before allowing the Raiders second goal of the game. Moments later Javar kept the deficit from widening, rejecting a penalty kick opportunity from Maya Leach
 
Offensively, Simmons battled their way back into the game. Sophomore Grace Nostrant rocketed a shot in the direction of Nugent that was saved before Balmer ripped a shot on net. While the Sharks continued to pepper the Raider goalkeeper with shots, Nugent kept coming up with big saves to preserved the shutout.
 
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Graduate senior Cerys Balmer led the Sharks with five shots, including three on net.
• Sophomore Lauren Krupnikoff rocketed a pair of shots included one on net.
• First-year goalkeeper Mikaela Marie Javar was solid in goal, recording three saves.

 
UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the pitch next Saturday, September 28 when they travel to Northfield, Vermont to face Norwich University at 1 p.m.